Tag: biodiversity

JET says major roadworks in Portland, Jamaica being undertaken with no public consultation and no environmental impact assessment

October 11, 2021

It is not only the famous beauty spot that is San San and the surroundings of Blue Lagoon, in Eastern Portland, that have been affected by the South Coast Highway Improvement Project. The Jamaica Environment Trust (JET) has been doing some research and found that there was no community consultation on large stretches of the … More JET says major roadworks in Portland, Jamaica being undertaken with no public consultation and no environmental impact assessment

Caribbean Tree Planting Week: A Cultural Celebration of Trees

June 30, 2021

Next week (July 5 to 11, 2021) is the first Caribbean Tree Planting Week. So what, you may ask? This is certainly not a symbolic week, but the result of over a year of activities and networking (Zoom was working overtime!) among citizens of all ages and backgrounds (including a major youth contingent) – in … More Caribbean Tree Planting Week: A Cultural Celebration of Trees

The Extinction Variations: An Elegy for Earth’s Abundance and a Call to Action

January 28, 2021

The arts can be a powerful vehicle to express our concern over the ongoing annihilation of our Planet – as vividly and in as many and diverse ways as the arts offers. Here is just one such vehicle. This is from a completely different culture to Jamaica’s; but it is an example of what can … More The Extinction Variations: An Elegy for Earth’s Abundance and a Call to Action

Make Peace With Nature: a Ground-Breaking Speech by the UN Secretary-General

December 3, 2020

What has been said about the deteriorating state of our Planet that hasn’t been said before? Well, there have been many words spoken (and less action). Moreover, many of our governments around the world are not just doing nothing – we seem to be deliberately heading in the wrong direction. I am not really big … More Make Peace With Nature: a Ground-Breaking Speech by the UN Secretary-General

The Birds of Puerto Bueno, Jamaica: Including the First Bird to be Protected by Law

November 24, 2020

As part of my “Listen to the Scientists” campaign (bowing deeply to Wendy Lee), I would like to tell you a little bit about the birds that call Puerto Bueno Mountain (and the area, also called Dry Harbour Mountains) home. It is also the home of a myriad insects, plants and trees, many of which … More The Birds of Puerto Bueno, Jamaica: Including the First Bird to be Protected by Law

Protect Puerto Bueno Mountain Jamaica from Quarrying and Big Development: An Online Petition

November 15, 2020

As concerns rise over the proposed limestone quarrying in Puerto Bueno Mountain (which now, it transpires, will also involve a commercial development and “eco-tourism”?) here is a petition on change.org opposing the ministerial decision to approve a permit. Prime Minister Andrew Holness signed off on this, and stoutly defended his decision in a speech in … More Protect Puerto Bueno Mountain Jamaica from Quarrying and Big Development: An Online Petition

Puerto Bueno Mountain: “This Decision Cannot Be Allowed To Stand,” Says JET

November 9, 2020

I wrote about this yesterday – please take a look for a bit more detail. Meanwhile, Jamaica Environment Trust (JET) has just posted the following press release: “This Decision Cannot Be Allowed to Stand,” Says JET The Jamaica Environment Trust (JET) is disturbed by the decision of the Hon. Minister without Portfolio Leslie Campbell to … More Puerto Bueno Mountain: “This Decision Cannot Be Allowed To Stand,” Says JET

Puerto Bueno Mountain Under Threat: What Happened and Why?

November 9, 2020

“In keeping with my recent advocacy on national and international platforms, I wish to focus on the fact that our natural heritage, including our biodiversity and ecosystems, are an important part of our material heritage. We readily understand the value of our natural heritage when we are complimented on the beauty of our island, our … More Puerto Bueno Mountain Under Threat: What Happened and Why?

Just a Quick Bird Note: Saturday, October 17 is a Special Birding Day

October 15, 2020

Birders the world over are always happy to have an excuse, an impetus, an encouragement to dash out there and start looking for birds (and counting them). Bird lists are wonderful. And for Caribbean bird sleuths, whether amateurs, professionals or just interested, there is eBird Caribbean, a site where you can contribute to the knowledge … More Just a Quick Bird Note: Saturday, October 17 is a Special Birding Day

Revitalizing the Caribbean Tourism Sector: The IDB’s Innovation Challenge

July 14, 2020

Our tourism sector has not yet emerged from the doldrums. In Jamaica, while battling COVID-19 with what appear to be depleting resources, we “opened up” to tourism on June 15. Now, close to one month later, we seem to be just feeling our way. Nevertheless, our ever-upbeat Minister of Tourism Ed Bartlett told us a few … More Revitalizing the Caribbean Tourism Sector: The IDB’s Innovation Challenge