PRESS RELEASE - June 1, 2004
June 2 – 8, 2004 is National Environmental Awareness Week (NEAW)
National Environmental Awareness Week (NEAW) 2004 will be observed, in Jamaica, from June 2 -8, under the theme, “Wanted! Seas and Oceans Dead or Alive?” The week coincides with the international commemoration of World Environment Day and World Oceans Day celebrated annually on June 5 and 8 respectively, by member countries of the United Nations (UN).
The National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA), in collaboration with other agencies and environmental non-Governmental organisations (ENGOs) have organised several activities to mark the Week.
On Wednesday, June 2, the Ridge to Reef Watershed Project (R2RW) will host a SanitationEducation Workshop at the Rural Agricultural Development Authority (RADA) office in Catherine Hall, Montego Bay. Starting time is 9:00 a.m.
As a precursor to its biennial environmental expo, the Jamaica Conservation Development Trust (JCDT) will convene an inaugural two-day Business and Environment Seminar, at the Courtleigh Hotel in Kingston, from June 2 – 3. The seminar runs from 9:00 a.m. to 12 noon each day. Environmental displays will also be mounted in Parish Libraries island-wide and will remain open throughout the Week.
The official opening of Green Expo 2004 is scheduled for 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 3, at the National Arena. This environmental expo, which is marking its fifth staging this year, will run from June 4 – 6 between 10:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. each day.
On World Environment Day, Saturday, June 5, a special church service will be held at the North Street Seventh Day Adventist Church located at the corner of North & James Streets in Kingston starting at 11:00 a.m. In addition, a newspaper supplement featuring useful environmental information will be published in the Daily Gleaner. The annual World Environment Day Message from the Minister of Land and Environment, Hon. Dean Peart, will also be published in the press and circulated for broadcast.
On Monday, June 7, Jamaica Story Tours Limited will stage “Pirates Day” a celebration of the history of Port Royal at Fort Charles. The event gets underway at 10:30 a.m. The Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) has organised a community meeting which will take place at Anderson Plaza in Linstead, St. Catherine starting at 7:00 p.m.
The week culminates with grand story-telling in several schools across the island, on World Oceans Day, Tuesday, June 8. Members of staff of NEPA supported by teachers and other interest groups will interact with students sharing stories focusing on environmental themes.
NEPA is encouraging the general public to support and participate in activities to mark the Week.
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