Resurrect navel-string tree-planting tradition

THE EDITOR, Sir:

PRIME MINISTER Andrew Holness’ announcement that Jamaica is now committed to planting three million trees in the next three years is a welcome development. However, it should not be seen solely as a government responsibility, and Jamaica could benefit greatly from looking back to its history and the people’s relationship with the landscape.

Perhaps now is the time to revive traditions such as the navel-string tree, where every newborn had a tree planted in his or her honour, and which was nourished by burying the child’s umbilical cord at its roots.

Modern medical science might these days raise its eyebrows at such a thought, but in it’s time, the practice provided a valuable supply of trees that fed others, as many of the trees planted in this tradition were fruit trees. It was an ingenious arrangement. Trees were used for fuel, but replenished every time a child was born.

Perhaps this idea of the ritual planting of trees could be extended to marking other rites of passage, such as graduations, weddings, milestone birthdays, or school, corporate, institutional or personal anniversaries, as well as memorials for loved ones who have died.

A portion of the lands identified for reforestation could be identified as a National Arboretum, above and beyond our existing botanic gardens, for just such a purpose. This type of activity would invite widespread national participation. Trees could be given markers so that they could be revisited by their stakeholder families or communities, and to encourage intergenerational expansion and sustainability.

Many of us understand the urgency of a national tree-planting programme. Giving people an opportunity to plant trees that will have personal meaning for them will help to speed up the process and keep it going for generations to come. BRIAN HEAP brianheap@gmail.com