Appendix III
Key Agents Delivering Environmental Education for Sustainable Development Programmes or Services
CENTRAL & LOCAL GOVERNMENT
Central Government Ministries
The Jamaican Government comprises a series of Ministries with specific portfolio responsibilities, each with a number of divisions and oversight of other quasi-independent agencies.
The Ministry of Education and Culture (MOEC) has responsibility for the formal education sector, including educational policy, teacher training, school administration and curriculum development; as well as for culture. The Ministry has oversight of a range of relevant agencies and organizations including the Institute of Jamaica, Jamaica Library Service, Jamaica Adult Literacy Foundation Limited (JAMAL), HEART/National Training Agency.
The Ministry of Environment & Housing’s responsibilities include environmental, land use, settlement, and housing policy and related legislation. The Ministry has specific responsibilities for upgrading squatter and informal settlements and maintains a large community outreach programme related to such settlements.
The outreach responsibilities include those related to environmental matters and land as a scarce resource.
Major agencies falling under this ministry include the Natural Resource Conservation Authority (NRCA), the Town Planning Department.
The Ministry of Health’s environment focus incorporates the Bureau of Health Education, which undertakes school and community-based efforts focusing on vector control, water quality, environmental health, personal and public health, hygiene and sanitation; the Parish Boards of Health, and Environmental Control Division, share responsibility for public sanitation and air and water pollution issues, the abatement of environmental hazards to health and aspects of occupational health and safety. The Pesticide Control Authority has specific regulatory responsibility for the management of pesticides in the environment.
The Ministry of Agriculture oversees the operations of the Fisheries and Forestry Departments and the Rural Agricultural Development Authority (RADA) as well as units responsible for the protection of the Jamaican environment from plant and animal diseases and invasion by alien species. The Ministry is also responsible for the Botanical Gardens and national Zoo.
The Ministry of Transport and Works has responsibility for the operations and maintenanceof the national road system, public transportation issues as well as river training, flood control and sea defense works.
The Ministry of Tourism is involved in developing Sustainable Tourism for Jamaica; for public education and teacher professional development on tourism-related subjects, through the Tourism Action Plan. The Jamaica Tourist Board and the Tourist Product Development Company fall under the Ministry of Tourism.
The Ministry of Finance & Planning has a vital role in sustainable development and economic, social, and environmental planning and in budgeting resource use between competing demands. The Planning Institute of Jamaica (PIOJ) has wide-ranging planning responsibilities. Through its National Planning Council it has supported the establishment of the Sustainable Development Council of Jamaica (SDC-J). The Social Investment Fund (SIF) has been established to facilitate poverty eradication and community action.
The Ministry of Labour, Social Security & Sports has specific responsibility for industrial health and safety and industrial relations, as well as for issues concerning the poor and women – areas of interest for Environmental Education for Sustainable Development.
The Ministry of Commerce and Technology has oversight of national Science and Technology policy and the Bureau of Standards, which will be involved in the setting of environmental standards for business and which deals with packaging issues; and for the Consumer Affairs Commission.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs & Foreign Trade is responsible for overseeing Jamaica’s participation in international and regional treaties, including environmental treaties. It is also directly responsible for the administration of Jamaica’s Exclusive Economic Zone.
The Ministry of Local Government Youth & Community Development has responsibility for the local government structure, which is currently under revision and which has an important role in environmental management in the parishes, and local communities. The local government authorities are also directly responsible for solid waste management, settlement management and local environmental issues. This Ministry also has oversight for the National Youth Service and the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission.
The Ministry of Legal Affairs is responsible for the drafting of legal instruments, including environmental regulations.
The Ministry of National Security & Justice has responsibility for law enforcement, which includes the enforcement of environmental laws. The Jamaica Constabulary Force and its Neighborhood Watch programme falls under this Ministry. The Jamaica Defence Force through its Coast Guard has specific responsibility for offshore environmental matters including oil spill response.
The Ministry of Water is a 'special subject' ministry established in December 1997 to take responsibility for water resource management, fresh water quality issues and disaster management and mitigation. Its agencies include the Water Resources Authority, National Water Commission, and Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management.
The Ministry of Industry and Investment is responsible for the National Industrial Policy and agencies such as JAMPRO. It has the responsibility to ensure that Jamaican commercial activities including its products and services adhere to international norms including those related to the environment and health.
The Office of the Prime Minister (OPM), has responsibility for a range of programmes and projects, currently including the Land Administration & Management Programme (LAMP), Operation PRIDE, and the National Poverty Eradication Programme – all of which offer co-lateral opportunities for Environmental Education for Sustainable Development. The Ministry of Information falls under the purview of the Prime Minister.
Government Advisory Bodies include the Sustainable Development Council, which is a working committee of the multi-stakeholder National Planning Council. Within the NRCA, the National Environmental Education Committee brings together a range of interests focused on education and communication.
Government Statutory and Executive Agencies
Several government agencies deliver messages relating to environment and sustainable development within the context of their mandate, some to small target groups, others to the nation at large. The key agencies delivering environmental education or related messages are listed and briefly described.
Natural Resources Conservation Authority (NRCA) is the lead government agency responsible for environmental management, providing a framework for the conservation, protection and sustainable use of Jamaica’s natural resources, in collaboration with public and private sector and NGO partners. It is mandated under the NRCA Act (1991) to undertake environmental education. The NRCA is also obligated to provide the public with information regarding permits and licenses for the release of industrial waste to the air, water or land.
The Fisheries Division is responsible for servicing, controlling and developing marine and inland fisheries through laws, monitoring and research. The Division plans a community-level education programme under the CARICOM Fisheries Resource Assessment and Management Programme, which will target fishermen and, to a lesser extent the general public, through the radio and TV programmes.
The Forestry Department is mandated to conserve and enhance forests, soil, water and other forest related natural resources on a sustainable basis by implementing programmes including forest development and management, watershed management, soil conservation, forest recreation development and forest research and extension.
Rural Agricultural Development Authority (RADA) offers extension services to farmers in rural Jamaica.
The Pesticide Control Authority (PCA) regulates the importation and sale of pesticides, provide quality control checks and education concerning the proper use of pesticides, and undertakes education and public awareness activities with farmers and the general public.
Metropolitan Parks and Markets (MPM) is responsible for garbage collection, street and market cleaning and the maintenance of parks in Kingston Greater Metropolitan Area, where it runs an environmental education campaign which targets the general public - householders, children, vendors and commuters. Similar agencies operate in the island’s North, East and West regions.
The Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) is responsible for emergency and natural disaster planning and mitigation. ODPEM messages, at the national and community levels, include the relationship between improper environmental practices and disasters.
The Consumer Affairs Commission (CAC) is a statutory body in the Ministry of Commerce & Technology, which advocates consumer rights as defined by the United Nations, providing information about products, prices and consumer rights. Issues include solid waste management, CFCs, leaded gas, and a health environment. There is a current emphasis on youth.
The Jamaica Tourist Board is responsible for marketing the island’s tourism product, which depends greatly on the natural environment. Recently, greater environmental awareness of visitors and the growth of eco-tourism make for even greater focus on this area. Messages on solid waste management and marine and general environmental protection are aimed at the general public and students. Programmes to integrate tourism education in social studies and related subject areas exist, particularly in tourist resort areas.
The Tourism Product Development Company (TPDCo.) seeks to develop and improve the tourism product as a major contributor to the economy. A Sustaining the Environment and Tourism (SET) project to clean, upgrade and maintain resort towns takes solid waste management messages to schools, social agencies, community organizations, businesses and tourism workers.
The National Water Commission is a public utilities company with responsibility to provide potable water for human consumption and industry, and to collect and treat sewage. Public education activities target the general public and students on issues of water conservation, watershed conservation and water quality.
The Jamaica Public Service (JPSCo) provide electricity to the nation. A Demand Side Management Project seeks to reduce energy consumption by increasing energy efficiency and conservation through the use of energy saving equipment and energy conservation practices. JPSCo public education programmes target residential, commercial and industrial users, and students.
The Town Planning Department/Town and Country Planning Authority (TCPA) is the main planning agency regulating land use in Jamaica, mandated to ensure orderly and progressive development of rural and urban areas through a proper balance between the competing demands for land. The Town Planning Department is the implementing arm of the TCPA. As well as preparing plans, it advises local authorities on subdivision applications, change of land use and building activities. The TPD also provides advice to the public, developers and other government agencies on matters relating to land use.
The Urban Development Corporation (UDC) has significant development planning and implementation responsibilities. Established in 1968, it is mandated to undertake development in prescribed areas, within which it is the sole development planning authority. Messages promoted, through community-level public awareness, include community protection of, and responsibility for community health and sanitation and community-based physical infrastructure.
The Planning Institute of Jamaica (PIOJ) initiates and coordinates planning for the economic, financial, social, cultural and physical development of Jamaica, collecting, analysing and reporting on economic performance data, and advising government on economic and social policy. An NGO desk, an urban and regional planning unit, and a resource centre, are relevant initiatives.
The Institute of Jamaica (IOJ), incorporating the Museums Division, the National Library of Jamaica, The Natural History Division, The Junior Centre Division, IOJ Publications, The Afro/Caribbean Institute of Jamaica/Jamaica Memory Bank and the National Gallery of Jamaica has a number of broadly environmental functions. Many of the programmes involve educational outreach elements.
The JAMAL Foundation Limited, a company operating within the MOEC, works with other organizations to provide non-formal adult education programmes aimed at improving literacy, numeracy and life skills.
The Social Development Commission (SDC) works in local community development, focusing on self-help programmes, community dialogue, community development, youth empowerment through leadership and vocational training, micro-enterprise development. The environment and sustainable development are not presently a focus of SDC educational activities.
The National Youth Service (NYS) seeks to provide unemployed young persons aged 17-24 years, with the skills and attitudes necessary to either find employment or continue their education.
Local Authorities
At the local government level, two major Parish Council functions carry environmental responsibilities: as local health boards and as local planning authorities. Specific responsibilities include such environmentally related activities as public cleansing, management of dump sites, land-use planning, and development control, maintaining public bathing beaches and monitoring bathing water quality, protection of watershed areas around local water supply areas, and assisting central government agencies in general environmental monitoring. The local authorities are presently undergoing reform aimed at creating a decentralized, democratically controlled system of local administration that facilitates maximum participation by all elements of the local community in the management of local affairs.
FORMAL EDUCATION & TRAINING INSTITUTIONS
Coordinating Bodies within the Education & Training System
HEART/National Training Agency is a post-secondary training agency which also coordinates the Technical and Vocational Education and Training System (TVET).
The National Council on Technical and Vocational Education & Training (NCTVET) reviews and promulgates occupational standards for entry level skills training programmes and is developing an industry-validated certification scheme for graduates. It has recognized environmental concerns and issues in its operations, especially as regards resource use, solid waste management and safety.
The Joint Committee for Tertiary Education (JCTE), established in 1991, has been active in building partnerships at the tertiary level.
The Joint Board of Teacher Education (JBTE) considers and approves the syllabuses of the island’s six teachers’ colleges, and the seven teachers’ departments of other educational institutions, which together graduated 1,497 teachers in 1996. The JBTE also examines and assesses the work of student teachers, makes recommendations on teacher training policy and allied matters, and certifies teachers.
The National Council on Education (NCE) nominates persons for appointment to the 840 boards of educational institutions in Jamaica, and seeks to promote continuity in educational policy. Council members include educators, nominees of religious bodies, representatives from the business and agricultural sectors, professional bodies, political parties, trade unions, media, parents and students.
The National Commission on Science & Technology (NCST) seeks to heighten the role of science and technology in Jamaica’s social and economic development.
Initial & Continuing Teacher Education Institutions
Teachers’ Colleges: Six teachers’ colleges islandwide offer initial teacher education at the early childhood, primary, special education and secondary levels. There are no syllabuses that focus specifically on environmental education. Content syllabuses in science and social studies include more environmentally-related objectives than other subjects. The six teachers’ colleges are:
Bethlehem Moravian College, Malvern, St Elizabeth
Church Teachers’ College, Mandeville, Manchester
Mico Teachers’ College, Kingston
Sam Sharpe Teachers’ College, Montego Bay, St James
St Joseph’s Teachers’ College, Kingston
Shortwood Teachers’ College, Kingston
Teachers’ Departments
Seven tertiary education institutions have teacher training departments, several of them including pre- and in-service courses for teachers specializing in the arts, sport, agriculture, business, computer studies, home economics and industrial technology. The following institutions include teacher training departments:
College of Agriculture, Science & Education (CASE), Passley Gardens, Portland
Edna Manley School of the Visual & Performing Arts, Kingston
G.C.Foster College of Physical Education & Sport, St Catherine
Moneague Colleague, St Ann
University of Technology (UTECH), Kingston
West Indies College, Mandeville, Manchester
University of the West Indies (UWI) School of Education, Kingston
The UWI School of Education offers advanced programmes mainly to candidates who have completed teachers’ college certificate or diploma programmes. Environmental education content is limited, except in science and social studies professional options.
Other Educational and Training Institutions (tertiary or professional level)
A range of other tertiary and professional level institutions train influential professionals, including journalists and civil servants. These institutions include:
University of the West Indies (UWI)
University of Technology (UTECH)
Management Institute for National Development (MIND)
Institute for Management and Production (IMP)
Jamaican Institute of Management (JIM).
Some departments of these institutions have already hosted courses in which environment and sustainable development concepts and issues were explored. These include:
Caribbean Institute of Media & Communications (CARIMAC)
Institute of Social and Economic Research (ISER)
Marine Sciences Unit/Discovery Bay Marine Lab.
UWI Centre for Environment & Development (UWICED)
School & staff development
Individual schools have development programmes which seek to meet teachers’ needs. Many schools also benefit from Adopt-A-School Programmes, involving the private sector
Teachers Organizations
The Jamaica Teachers Association (JTA) is the official voice of teachers in Jamaica and liaises between teachers and the MOEC, and other organizations. Professional development is a major focus.
The Association of Science Teachers of Jamaica (ASTJ) has been involved in professional development in ecological environmental education over many years.
Learning & Resource Centres
The ICWI Group Foundation Science Learning Centre , housed at the UWI, has interactive exhibits and programmes which target teachers and students. These include a continuing programme on Man’s Impact on the Marine Environment (MIME). The participatory development of an Environmental Action ‘Cookbook’ for teachers has been a major initiative.
Malvern Science Research Centre seeks to promote and enhance science and technology education in over 500 schools in southwest Jamaica from primary through to tertiary. The Centre is open to the public but serves primarily as a school’s and a tour destination, seminar location and reference library. Teacher development is a major focus.
Hofstra University Marine Laboratory offers education programmes designed for teachers to enable them to "heighten their students’ awareness of the marine environment and its conservation".
Hope Zoo’s Tropical Learning Centre, seeks to be a resource centre for environmental education, with an emphasis on wildlife and biodiversity.
International School of Jamaica works with agricultural teachers and their students in integrating bee-keeping, vermi-composting and other sustainable practices into schools’ agricultural programmes at the secondary level and into mathematics, science art and English at the primary level.
Other Resource Centres, Libraries & Field Stations offer varied access. These include the following:
Jamaica Library Service
Canoe Valley
Conservation Data Centre
Geological Survey Division
Hope Zoo
Institute of Jamaica, including Mason River Field Station
NRCA Documentation Centre
NEST/JCDT Library
Sligoville Environmental Education Centre
UWI faculties and departments
THE NON-FORMAL SECTOR
Non-Government Organizations & Community-Based Organizations
This grouping comprises environmental and development Non-Government Organizations (NGOs) and Community-Based Organizations (CBOs). The definition of CBOs is taken as organizations which are located in a particular community of residents having specific geographical boundaries and histories. It was estimated that there were over 1200 CBOs in existence in 1991.
Umbrella organizations
More than 100 NGOs and CBOs fall under three umbrella organizations: National Environmental Societies Trust (NEST), the Association of Development Agencies (ADA) and the Council for Voluntary Social Services(CVSS). Other umbrella organizations include the Association of Women Organizations in Jamaica (AWOJA), People’s Action for Community Transformation (PACT) and the Professional Societies Association of Jamaica (PSAJ).
The National Environmental Societies Trust (NEST) provides assistance to urban and rural members in planning, fundraising, implementing and evaluating community-based, environmental management and sustainable development projects, which are replicable and promise long-term benefits. NEST also facilitates institutional strengthening and coordination between its members, but has limited resources. In 1997, NEST had 40 organizational members, 60% community based, some 95% of them involved in environmental education activities at the community level.
The Association of Development Agencies (ADA) operates as a collective forum to promote sustainable development and social change. It supports indigenous community development initiatives aimed at effective social change which increases the participation, power and control of ordinary people over decisions affecting their lives. ADA also seeks to support public education at the local and national levels. It presently has a membership of 14 organizations.
The Council of Voluntary Social Services (CVSS) brings together socially responsive companies, institutions and individuals with a commitment to improve the delivery of social services to the people of Jamaica; for consultation, planning and action. Its goal is to ensure the development of the voluntary sector.
Non-Governmental Organizations
The Jamaica Conservation Development Trust is dedicated to the effective integration of conservation and development, and promotes sustainable development through the promotion of sound environmental management, education and advocacy. Work carried out through entities involved in development and the conservation of natural resources includes national park and protected area management, community development, participation of communities in the management of key resources and protected areas, eco-tourism as an employment alternative. Several programmes are targeted at teachers and students.
The Jamaica Environment Trust (JET) seeks to increase environmental awareness and activism by comprehensive education and advocacy programmes, focussing on solid waste management, recycling and tree planting in activities with students, teachers, and the general public.
The Gosse Bird Club, founded in the late 1950s to stimulate the study and conservation of Jamaican birds, makes presentations to schools, NGOs, childrens’ summer camps and interested groups including teachers.
The Environmental Watch Organization operates in Montego Bay, facilitating increased environmental awareness and issue analysis skills among teachers. Issues involve solid waste management, sewage and human impact on coral reefs.
The Jamaica Cooperative Union (JCU) is an umbrella organization for smaller, local fishermen’s cooperatives, which sell fishing supplies and assists in the welfare of fishermen. The organization has shown an interest in environmental issues.
The Natural History Society of Jamaica (NHSJ) is a non-profit organization which focuses on the study and conservation of the natural environment, with special reference to the flora and fauna, but also including interest in other fields of natural science. It promotes public education and environmental and ecological matters.
Wildlife & Environment Conservation Action Now (W.E.C.A.N) , a youth group which focuses on natural history and biodiversity issues, is linked to the Hope Zoo and the Tropical Learning Centre.
Community-Based Organizations
Bluefields Peoples Community Association (BPCA) seeks to enhance economic, social and cultural upliftment in harmony with the natural environment, through a range of community development services. The focus is critical thinking, collective visioning and participatory decision making towards the creation of sustainable livelihoods and sustainable communities.
S Corner Clinic and Community Development Organization in Inner City Kingston, seeks community development though programmes in education, skills training, health and sanitation. Specific targets are to strengthen the community council and transform the community into one that residents can be proud of.
South Coast Conservation Foundation (SCCF)/Caribbean Coastal Area Management Foundation
seek to broker the effective management and sustainable use of natural resources in the Portland Bight/Hellshire Hills area.
The Portland Environmental Protection Association (PEPA) works with some 41 community-based member groups to encourage environmentally sound resource use and sustainable development practices through environmental education in schools, colleges and communities, direct action by and lobbying government agencies and officials for positive change at local and national levels. The focus is on ecosystem protection, solid waste management, eco-tourism, sanitation and sewage disposal, development and management of Port Antonio Marine Park and conservation corridor.
The Negril Coral Reef Preservation Society (NCRPS) focuses on preserving and protecting Negril’s marine resources and environment through sustainable development with emphasis on coral reefs, wetlands, fisheries, mangroves and seagrass beds. Public education, a Junior Ranger programme and teacher training are major focus areas.
St Ann Environmental Protection Association (STAEPA) is engaged in public education and in teacher training.
Other parish and community oriented groups include the following:
St Thomas Environmental Protection Association (STEPA)
Trelawny Environment Protection Association (TEPA)
St Elizabeth Environmental Protection Association
St Thomas Heritage Foundation
Portmore Environment Trust
Manchioneal Cultural Group
St Mary Association for the Recovery of Tomorrow (SMART)
THE PRIVATE SECTOR
Umbrella Agencies
Within the business sector, the Private Sector Organization of Jamaica (PSOJ), the Small Business Association of Jamaica(SBAJ), the Jamaica Manufacturers Association(JMA) and the Jamaica Exporters Association (JEA), and the Jamaica Chamber of Commerce (JCC) represent a wide range of businesses involved in manufacturing, mining, commerce, services and process industries.
Education and awareness programmes are undertaken by the SBAJ and the JEA and the Environment Committee of the PSOJ which prepared a video tape on water as a resource and plans another on the cost of deforestation. The SBAJ has undertaken a project to train its members on how to undertake environmental audits at the business place and the JEA has hosted seminars to make its members aware of the requirements under the new ISO standards. The JCC hosts an annual award for a business with environmentally-aware practices.
Private Sector Companies with Environmental Involvement
The following private sector companies are involved in some form of environmental education at the national level. Others are involved in such activities directly or indirectly through sponsorship.
Guardsman Group of Companies operates a small zoo and offers tours for small groups, particularly groups of children.
JAMALCO was awarded an international award of excellence for its Earth Watch project in the nine high schools in Clarendon, its main operational location. The project focused on water and solid waste management issues, recycling of paper and PET bottles, composting, soil conservation and reforestation.
Kaiser Bauxite Company’s general education programme includes presentations in schools to increase environmental awareness and knowledge about Jamaica’s natural resources and about safety.
Caribbean Cement Company, the only local cement producer, complies with international environmental standards despite lack of local standards; and supports environmental projects nationally and within its locale.
NEM Insurance Co. Ltd. promotes the protection and care of Jamaica’s environment to the general public, based on its importance in economic development, as part of an advertising strategy.
Shell Co. (WI) Ltd., part of Shell International, audits its business and processes to improve environmental compliance. The company also promotes environmental awareness to the general public, focussing on general conservation, energy efficiency and avoiding environmental pollution.
Swept Away hotel in Negril has been a major supporter of the Negril Coral Reef Protection Society, and produced a booklet on environmental matters.
ORGANIZED LABOUR
Organized labour includes national unions representing specific categories of workers in business and industrial entities, as well as management level organizations, and professional associations. Industrial health and safety, job creation, training, as well as the general quality of life for Jamaican workers are on-going concerns of organized labour.
The Jamaica Teachers Association (JTA), representing the island’s teachers, is a major Environmental Education for Sustainable Development target group.
The Press Association of Jamaica represents the island’s journalists, another influential group.
Professional associations already providing training and awareness to members on sustainable development issues, include The Medical Association of Jamaica, the Town and Country Planning Association, the Jamaica, Institute of Architects and the Jamaica Institute of Engineers.
The Joint Trade Unions Research Development Centre (JTURDC) has undertaken specific research on physical planning and sustainable development in Jamaica.
SOCIAL & RELIGIOUS ORGANIZATIONS
Service Clubs including the Lions Club, Kiwanis, and Rotary Club provide information to their members by hosting guest speakers and by undertaking projects which involve them in community activities such as tree planting (Kiwanis) the preparation and distribution of brochures on environmental conservation to schools (Rotary Club of Kingston) and assisting with the provision and maintenance of school equipment (Lions).
Religious Organizations have significant potential to disseminate environmental, social and development information. Five umbrella organizations cover a wide range of denominations: Jamaica Council of Churches, the Jamaica Association of Full Gospel Ministries, the Jamaica Pentecostal Union, the Jamaica Association of Evangelicals, the Seventh Day Adventist Churches and the Church of God. At the community level, Ministers’ Fraternals, comprising pastors from a particular geographical zone, are cross denominational.
Civic Organizations with strong community links include Parent Teachers Associations, Neighbourhood Watches and Credit Unions.
Relevant agencies with interest in environmental or sustainable development issues include the Caribbean Food & Nutrition Institute, which focuses on nutrition, lifestyle and healthy living; Jamaica National Heritage Trust, whose mission includes inculcating, in Jamaicans, a sense of pride, national identity, and an awareness of the importance of our heritage to national development; and Peace & Love in Schools (PALS) with its focus on training teachers and, by extension, students, in conflict resolution strategies.
THE MEDIA
Jamaica has a potential radio audience of 1.6 million, with 1.2 million for television, 1 million for cable, 729,000 for satellite and 133,000 for VCR – based on the 1997 All Media Survey conducted by Market Research Services Limited. The media spread, based on average quarter-hour listnership or viewership and average daily readership of 19 publications, is 434,000 radio listeners, 202,000 television viewers and 288,000 newspaper readers. There are eight privately owned radio stations and one slated to become a public broadcasting station, with potential to disseminate environmental and sustainable development messages. There are a few community radio licencees.
The main radio stations are:
RJR Supreme Sound : 25.3 % market share( 29.5% of female and 21.8% of male listeners );
IRIE FM (reggae music) 24.4% of market. (15.3% are female and 31.7% are male);
LOVE FM ( religious) 11.2 % of market (17.6% of women and 7.1% of men);
POWER 106, HOT 102, Radio 2, FAME and KLAS: less listenership than the top three stations. POWER 106 and KLAS cater specifically to professionals, business people and others in top socio-economic groups. Radio share is based on the 1997 All Media Survey.
The main print media are as follows:
The Daily & Sunday Gleaner and The Jamaica Observer, both of which have weekly pages dedicated to environmental issues. The Sunday Herald has a page dealing with Environment and Health issues. Environmental issues are sometimes covered in sections dealing with agriculture and business. In addition, environmental issues and messages can and will be covered in any publication.
The Western Mirror covers Montego Bay and Western Jamaica. The Star & Weekend Star, and X-News target lower socio-economic groups and tend to focus on sensationalism and feature risqué photographs.
Television programming contains a high level of foreign content. Imported cable networks are popular. The local television programming is as follows:
The Jamaica Information Service (JIS) is a government agency with a mandate to inform and educate the public particularly with regard to issues of national importance and interest, through news, interviews and feature programmes which are aired on both local commercial stations – Super Supreme TV and CVM.
CVM, which had 51% of the television market share in 1997, and Super Supreme, which had 49%, both carry a limited proportion of local programming. Total viewership, including the local television stations as well as cable, satellite and video, showed the following breakdown: Super Supreme: 19%; CVM: 20%; cable: 40%; satellite: 17% and video: 3%.