KINGSTON, Jamaica — Jamaicans are being encouraged to participate in environmental protection activities on Labour Day this Friday.

Labour Day will be observed under the theme “Protect the Environment: Our Land, Our Duty, Our Future” and the slogan “Jamaica Nice, Protect Wi Paradise”.

Speaking during a recent Jamaica Information Service (JIS) ‘Think Tank’ at the agency’s television department in Kingston, Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, Olivia Grange, said the National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA) has recommended several ways in which citizens can help safeguard Jamaica’s natural resources.

She encouraged individuals to organise volunteers to collect litter from streets, parks and other public spaces.

The minister also suggested collaborating with municipal corporations or non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to plant trees in parks, schoolyards or on barren land.

Additionally, she said citizens can replant native vegetation and clean and enhance nature trails with educational signage about local flora and fauna. Other initiatives proposed include teaching community members how to grow their own vegetables and herbs at home or even starting a community garden.

“You can set up booths to educate people on proper waste segregation and recycling practices. You can clean up and beautify a local park or beach. You can add benches. You can repaint playground equipment or install bird houses,” Grange further proposed.

The minister also pointed out that, “Gully and riverbank clean-ups are other things you can do. You can help remove solid waste and debris from key watershed points. So, there are a number of things you can do or encourage others to do.”

Meanwhile, the minister is urging greater environmental awareness by hosting events designed to educate youth about eco-friendly careers and sustainable industries.

She also recommended screening environmental films, followed by discussions on local actions that individuals can take.

“[If] you have a community centre, gather the young people together and speak about the environment and what each and everyone can do to protect [it]. Remember… ‘Jamaica Nice… A Fi Wi Paradise’,” Grange underscored.

— JIS