Youth Climate Action Expo an inspiration

THE RECENTLY staged Youth Climate Action Expo was an inspiration to at least one youngster in attendance, who is now keen on being a good steward for the environment.

“My experience was very interactive, and I learnt so much more about climate change and how I can be a part of making positive contributions in the efforts against it,” said deputy head girl of Westwood High School, Anishka Christie.

“I want to help prepare my family and my future children for a more environmentally friendly world,” she added, noting that the expo, which had its second staging on March 16, was educational, providing the necessary motivation to strive to take better care of the environment.

Christie was among the hundreds of Jamaicans, young and old, who turned out to the Campion College Auditorium for the event, hosted by the Jamaica Climate Change Youth Council (JCCYC) and which had as its focus this year, identifying alternatives to plastics.

“We are very glad that we have supported this initiative and will continue to support them, as we are proud of what they are doing. It is very exciting to witness organisations such as the JCCYC presenting alternatives to our youth,” said Caroline Mahfood, executive director of the GraceKennedy Foundation, a title sponsor for the expo.

“GraceKennedy is committed to helping you all have a country that is beautiful, and conscious about being environmental stewards,” she added.

JCCYC Director Eleanor Terrelonge was grateful for the support given to the event.

“It’s really encouraging to see how many companies are moving into reusable and environmentally friendly products, and the plastic ban has really opened up the market for these options. We also saw a lot more students engaging with us and participating in the activities, and it was very heart-warming to hear them share their stories,” she noted.

Meanwhile, Westwood High won the Waste-to-Art Repurposing Competition and the scavenger hunt, emerging as the Champion School for the day. Kingston College won the garbage-to-fashion competition, while Best Booth was awarded to Environmental Solutions Limited.