Environment and climate change in Jamaica: Some outstanding matters

Some thoughts have been floating around in my mind on a number of developments in Jamaica. So I decided to collect them all in one place. I was just reminded of the George Orwell concept of “Doublethink” from 1984. “Cognitive dissonance” is an internal struggle not quite governed by Orwell’s dystopian stringency – but we struggle with it every day.

Doublethink: “War is Peace, Freedom is Slavery, Ignorance is Strength.” From George Orwell’s “1984”

But those are political musings. However, isn’t there an element of politics in environmental matters these days? I would say there is, in Jamaica. For example…

How can one simply declare that Jamaica is a “STEM Island”? Well, Prime Minister Andrew Holness did so recently, with vigour and enthusiasm. I was left with my mouth open, as I cannot think of anything less true of Jamaica at this present moment. I can only think that this is aspirational, and since the PM called it a “vision,” I guess this ideal is some way in the future. I am not sure if the construction of six STEM schools has started yet. But I do think this would be “STEM with a purpose,” with that vision of a “digital society” (what does this mean, actually? Everyone having wifi connections?)

Another ribbon-cutting session – this time at the STEM for Growth Symposium at the University of Technology (UTECH) on April 24, with the Prime Minister, Minister of Education and Youth Fayval Williams in the blue dress to his right, Permanent Secretary Dr. Kasan Troupe in red to his left, and Chair of the Jamaica STEM for Growth Foundation Dr. Glen Christian (second left). I am not sure who the other people in the photo are, as this photo was uncaptioned on the website of the Office of the Prime Minister.

So, the “S” stands for Science. My question: Is the teaching of science and scientific research valued in Jamaica? How does the average Jamaican feel about Science? Many probably believe that science is for the scientists: those nerdy people busy in labs, doing their own thing. The Scientific Research Council, a Government agency that is occasionally mentioned, has said it is encouraging entrepreneurship with a focus on technology. “Innovation” is its buzzword. As for life sciences and natural history – the general view is this area of science is both esoteric and irrelevant. Repatriating an extinct lizard? That must be a joke, according to some.

As for climate science, that is considered another little niche area. This is only for discussion in international fora – it’s way too technical for Jamaicans to understand, our leaders seem to believe – although our learned Professors Michael Taylor and Tannecia Stephenson of the University of the West Indies’ Climate Study Group are brilliant at breaking it down into clear, understandable nuggets. When last did our decision makers sit down with our local climate experts, listen and learn? If they have not done so recently, perhaps they should; hurricane season is nearly here – and talking of that, is our Meteorological Service sufficiently funded and supported? Farmers in St. Ann and hoteliers in Negril know quite a lot about climate change. Talk to them, too!

“T” for Technology is the sexiest letter in the STEM acronym. Yes, this is where the “digital” comes in! And fun activities like robotics and drones, which young people are naturally excited about. Engineering and Mathematics? Earlier this year, Education Minister Fayval Williams conceded that “I know that a gap exists currently.” Engineering graduates are not finding opportunities in Jamaica, and a quiet brain drain continues. As for Mathematics, external exam results of 30 – 40% don’t quite cut it, not for a STEM Island.

,In short, we seem to have our work cut out. Also, as a non-scientist myself, I would like to see us become a “STEAM island.” Why not include the formal teaching of the Arts in our educational system – and I am not just talking about music? All the creative arts, as well as languages, which Jamaicans certainly lag behind in (I am a languages person myself so I am rather biased).

There is a new head of the National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA) as of April 2, on the retirement of former CEO Peter Knight. The new boss is Mr. Leonard Francis, the agency’s former Director for the Spatial Planning Division. There are apparently high hopes that Mr. Francis will address the multiple and pressing concerns among residents and civil society regarding the numerous breaches of planning regulations in urban areas. I hope that he will also remember that there is an “E” in NEPA and that it stands for the environment.

So, our tree-planting obsession continues. The Great Mangrove Clean Up, which I wrote about recently, included a planting session. The National Tree Planting Initiative, launched in October, 2019, had the goal of planting three million trees in three years. It’s now 2024. Was this goal achieved? I know that Minister Matthew Samuda was pushing for it to be reached by December, 2023.

There is another, equally important word beginning with “p” that I would like to mention in this context: protection. Why is protection for our established and mature forests (including mangrove forests) so weak? The four-year Jamaica Mangroves Plus Project, funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) through the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), is being implemented by the Forestry Department. And we now have a National Mangrove and Swamp Forests Management Plan; read more here. It is an impressive document. Now… Let’s see some protection action! How are the protected areas recently announced by Minister responsible for the environment Matthew Samuda doing?

Meanwhile, tree planting is a “feel good” activity. However, while we delight in the photo ops of fragile seedlings being planted (and hopefully maintained, even in times of drought), what of the thousands of mature trees that have been sacrificed in recent years? How many trees were cut down to build the South Coast Highway – and how many more to follow? How many mangroves have been cut down for developments in Montego Bay, including the bypass? How many mature native trees have been hacked down in urban areas for housing developments, to be replaced by flimsy non-native palm trees that have no environmental value (it’s called “landscaping”)?

How many trees were cut down (an entire hillside) in Hanover to create a limestone quarry (adjacent to the Negril Morass, a protected area)? The limestone was used to dump up and fill in the coastal area, where mangroves once flourished, for the purposes of building a huge hotel and casino in Green Island. So, two forested areas were destroyed simultaneously, in the name of tourism “development.” According to local people, the livelihoods of fishers in the area were also destroyed; not to mention the biodiversity that the forests once nourished. By the way, when I passed recently, the quarry is still very active, with a sign up and approvals from NEPA.

A mangrove seedling will take many years to mature, by the way. As has been said before, why don’t we preserve and protect what we have now, rather than destroy and then try to “put back” what we have destroyed afterwards (often with much fanfare, patting ourselves on the back?)

A tiny mangrove seedling planted recently near Gun Boat Beach, Kingston Harbour. It will take many years to mature. And yet, we continue destroying older mangroves, while recognising the protection they give our coastlines, among many other benefits.

One more thing: Walls are going up in some areas, blocking views of the coast and disrupting the natural environment. I am speaking of an eight-foot wall going up in east Portland (the limit is apparently four feet, correct me if I am wrong); and a long wall under construction at beautiful Guts River. Who is responsible, I do not know. But it is sad and ugly and a reflection of the greedy, selfish society we live in. Perhaps the new head of NEPA could look into this; environmental degradation is not only happening in our capital city. And are these walls actually legal and permitted?

Mother Nature should be for all to enjoy – at least, a glimpse of our sea would be nice.

That’s all, for now.