INVERNESS Primary in St Ann copped the CIBC trophy and a computer for being the “most environmentally aware” school at the recent awards ceremony for the Schools’ Environment Programme (SEP).

Second place went to Sandy Bay Primary and Junior High in Hanover and two third place winners — Vere Technical High, Clarendon and Fair Prospect High, Portland completed the top winners.

Seventy-eight schools emerged winners at the regional level with 10 finalists, excelling in the areas of “most knowledgeable students” and “best community participation”. The other national finalists were Sheffield All-Age, Negril; St Thomas Technical; Brimmervale, St Mary; St Andrew Primary, Kingston; and Content Gap, Blue and John Crow Mountains.

Guest speaker at the awards function, the minister of health, John Junor, emphasised the link between human health and environmental conditions.

“The Ministry of Health recognises this importance and have identified three main areas of focus — community water and sanitation, solid waste management and disposal, and occupational health,” the minister said.

The former minister of environment pointed out that Jamaica’s efforts for economic growth and development must be equally matched by our efforts to preserve the environment. “This is not an option,” said the minister. “If we destroy the environment, we destroy ourselves.”

Junor had high commendation for the Jamaica Conservation and Development Trust (JCDT) on their vision in developing the schools’ programme. He was particularly pleased with the knowledge displayed by the students while he was touring the exhibits.

In presenting the main award, Raymond Campbell, vice-president, commercial clients and corporate affairs, CIBC Jamica said: “CIBC Jamaica continues to be proud of the association it has with the Schools’ Environment Programme. Our wish is that this programme gets to the much wider society so that communities can understand the importance of maintaining a healthy environment.”