Environmental Stakeholders Call For Political Attention
As Jamaica enters another election season, environmental stakeholders are calling for political attention to the environment, which they say is critical for the country’s sustainable development.
Side-Lined Environmental Issues
Despite the promises of economic growth and infrastructure projects, environmental issues remain sidelined, according to a group of 34 civil society organizations and individuals.
- Pollution
- Illegal sand mining
- Open burning
- Inadequate waste collection
- Development that doesn’t consider the realities of the climate crisis
Communities across Jamaica are grappling with these issues, and environmental monitoring is weak, with enforcement of environmental laws being inconsistent, especially when violations are committed by government entities or powerful private companies.
A Call to Action
The group of stakeholders is calling for a change in business as usual when it comes to the environment, urging leaders to engage in “proactive planning, clear policies, and the courage to make difficult decisions in the national interest – even when the public isn’t demanding them.”
- Proactive planning
- Clear policies
- Courage to make difficult decisions
Indi Mclymont-Lafayette, an environmental advocate, has expressed her support for the call, saying, “I am in support of this release because it raises critical issues around how the environment is treated. As elections approach, citizens need to know how the political parties plan to strategically address critical issues such as climate change and environmental conservation.”
Demanding Accountability
Environmental Solutions Limited (ESL) boss Eleanor Jones has commended the group on their call, saying it’s past time to move from talk to action.
“It is time for us to stop talking and to really act,” Jones said. “We need action.
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