TRASH TO TREASURE
COMPETITION ENCOURAGES
RECYCLING AMONG
PRIMARY LEVEL STUDENTS
17 Primary schools out of West Rural St. Andrew will contend
for computers and cash prizes through the Trash to Treasure
environmental school competition. The initiative was creat
ed by Member of Parliament (MP) for West Rural St. Andrew
Juliet Cuthbert Flynn through the Spruce Up Jamaica
programme, which is implemented by the Tourism Product
Development Company Limited (TPDCo).
The Trash to Treasure competition is a move by the MP to
increase awareness of the consequences of the
deterioration of the environment through practices such
as improper garbage disposal. The MP also believes that
a competition of this nature will engage and educate
primary level students about the benefits of recycling
and converting trash to usable and even wearable prod-
ucts.
Speaking at the launch on October 17, at the Lawrence
Tavern Primary School, Cuthbert Flynn went on to say that
it was her passion for the environment that motivated her
to create an initiative that will have long term benefits and
serve as a mechanism to change behaviours and attitudes
as it relates to care of the environment.
“This initiative was necessary due to the growing concerns
of climate change and its impact on the environment. Our
planet continues to see the implications of climate change,
such as hotter temperatures, flooding and an increase in
hurricanes. Climate Change is also a threat to economic
growth and sustainability, particularly for vulnerable coun-
tries such as our own.” She said
Advocating for a cleaner and greener space, Director of
Product Development and Community Tourism, TPDCo,
Julian Patrick mentioned the importance of the care of
the island, as the tourism sector relies on the beauty of the
island which continues to contribute to its growth and
expansion.
“Jamaica’s tourism sector depends heavily on the
environment. The country is usually advertised as an oasis
of beaches, hotels and a prime spot for unwinding
and relaxing; and while that “sun, sea and sand” image
has its place, we are constantly finding ways to make
this destination diverse and fit for people of various ages,
cultural groups and interests. We have to be on par with
trends and we have made it our duty to look in every
corner for ways we can improve the product and
make it unique and globally competitive,” He said.
He went on further to say that the initiative will allow the
country to reap the rewards of having a clean space for
visitors to enjoy for many years to come.
“This investment is not to be seen as only beneficial for
present day, but a deliberate investment in our future, and
to ensure that for many decades to come, nothing that is
within our powers will hinder the growth and development
of the tourism sector and our island home.”
The Spruce Up programme involves the allocation of Three
Million Dollars to all 63 Members of Parliament across
Jamaica to be used for the improvement of Jamaica’s
tourism product. This forms part of the thrust by the Ministry
of Tourism to keep the destination in pristine condition.