Youth take rightful place at 5th Caribbean Environmental Forum

PM Stephenson King addresses youth

Montego Bay, Jamaica, 04 07 2010 (SKNIS): Youth representing several high schools in Jamaica and a community college appeared quite comfortable presenting an environmentally sustainable project, meeting with Prime Ministers, debating, interpreting the environment with the creative arts and sitting among delegates at the Fifth Caribbean Environmental Forum, Montego Bay, Jamaica.

During the five-day forum which ran from June 21 – 25, 2010, several high school and college students were brought together for the first ever Caribbean Youth Environmental Forum. Two of these young people, Tashana Clemings and Tanashay Cheddesing were supported by their teacher Devon Callam of the Mannings High School, Jamaica when they presented the environmentally-friendly project termed “Conserving Energy with Green Roof Technology.” The project has already received the Jamaica Public Service Company Ltd. (SPSCo) Environmental Award.

Youth Forum Debators

Using five models Clemings and Cheddising were able to demonstrate that it is possible to grow vegetation on roofs by water-proofing the area, choosing the appropriate soil and ensuring adequate drainage. The students noted that benefits would include a cooler house, income from the sale of plants and reduction of theft of plants due to their high placement.

The young people were also given an opportunity to have their voices heard by policy makers when they met and held discussions with Prime Minister of St. Lucia Honourable Stephenson King as well as Jamaica’s Minister of Water and Housing Honourable Dr. Horace Chang.