LOWE RIVER, Trelawny – In an era of rapid technological advancement, Governor General Sir Patrick Allen is urging residents of Trelawny to embrace and preserve their green spaces, stressing the importance of balancing modern development with environmental stewardship.

“I encourage each one of us to take on an active, conscientious, passionate role in building back and in restoring our trees and in building arboreta and other such initiatives that can encourage our people not just to walk around and enjoy the modern technologies and the modern things that are happening, but remember, remember we must value our land. We must utilise that to the best of our ability,” the governor general urged.

“I applaud the residents of this community for your willingness to embrace this effort. The model established here, I believe, Minister [of Water, Environment and Climate Change, Matthew Samuda], will be replicated across the country, and as far as is possible. These trees will grow because you are going to nurture them. Their benefits will endure because you protect them. In doing so you are investing not only in your environment, but in your children, in your livelihood, and in our future. RE-LEAF is our blueprint placed in our hands,” he added.

He was speaking at the launch of Reforestation, Ecological Enhancement and Landscape Framework (RE-LEAF) held at the Lowe River Primary and Infant School last Wednesday. The target for phase one of the initiative, which runs from January to June 2026, is the planting of 300,000 seedlings, including 30,000 fruit trees for food security.

The launch also included the planting of 1,000 trees at the nearby Pike & Ravens Forest Reserve, followed by a large-scale distribution of fruit trees donated by Food For the Poor to residents in surrounding communities.

The governor general argued that the RE-LEAF programme and National Tree Planting Initiative represent more than just projects but are promises of renewal, resilience, and opportunity, especially after Hurricane Melissa. He emphasised that while the hurricane exposed environmental vulnerability, it also highlighted the strength and determination of the people to rebuild and move forward.

He also commended the Government, the Forestry Department, and its leadership for their vision and commitment to building a greener, more resilient country that is better prepared for future challenges.

Speaking during the event, mayor of Falmouth, Councillor C Junior Gager encouraged residents to not only support RE-LEAF, “but to become ambassadors of environmental stewardship in our homes, schools, and communities”.

“Together, we can ensure that Trelawny remains a place of natural beauty, resilience, and sustainable growth for generations to come. Thank you, and may this initiative flourish and we continue to see lush greenery to bear lasting fruit,” Gager said.

“The RE-LEAF initiative represents more than recovery, it represents renewal. It signals our collective commitment to rebuilding smarter, greener, and more sustainability. Trelawny holds a special place in Jamaica’s forestry landscape. Our parish is blessed with rich natural assets, lush forest reserves, vital watersheds, and diverse ecosystems that support both our rural communities and our economic activities, including agriculture and tourism. Protecting and restoring these resources is essential.

As a farmer myself, I can tell you this. This is why the work being done today aligns so closely with the Trelawny Local Sustainable Development Plan developed by the municipal corporation,” he added.

Mayor of Falmouth Councillor C Junior Gager speaking during the launch of the Reforestation, Ecological Enhancement and Landscape Framework at Lowe River Primary and Infant School last Wednesday. (Horace Hines)