Jingles by primary school students urging residents to “reduce, reuse, recycle” began airing on Radio Cayman (Wednesday 30 May).

The musical stylings are the work of finalists in the recent School Jingle Competition organised by the Department of Environmental Health (DEH).

St. Ignatius Catholic School placed first ahead of other finalists, Edna M. Moyle Primary School and Cayman Prep Primary School, who placed second and third respectively.

All three top entries will be broadcast on Radio Cayman for a month as public service announcements. The school also received gift certificates amounting to $500, while the second and third place winners received gift certificates amounting to $350 and $150 respectively.

The School Jingle competition, which is in its first year, is part of the DEH efforts to increase national interest and awareness in the need for sustained waste reduction activities throughout the Cayman Islands and is open to local primary schools.

Schools were invited to develop a jingle, not exceeding 60 seconds, using the theme “Reduce, Reuse, Recycle”. Each school was allowed a maximum of five original entries.

A total of eight  entries were received from four  schools. Participating schools included Cayman Prep Primary School with a total of five entries as well as, Edna M. Moyle Primary School, St. Ignatius Catholic School and Truth for Youth School each of which submitted one entry.

The top three entries were selected by way of public vote after being uploaded to DEH Facebook page.

The Hon Dwayne Seymour was impressed at the calibre of the submissions, recognizing “the commitment to the environment and to the future which students showed by taking part in the competition while still in primary school”.

Minister Seymour further challenged students “to keep that flame burning bright as you move through the school system and into the workplace. Keep up that same enthusiasm and share it with all those around you”

The Hon Minister also commended DEH on its school outreach programme.  “This engagement of young influencers to reach minds of all ages via broadcast and social media channels is very inspirational. I believe this approach will continue to bear fruit as we move towards a fully operational, integrated solid waste management system”.

Winners were then selected by a panel of judges including Nancy Barnard, Deputy Chief Officer in the Ministry of Health, Environment, Culture and Housing , Stephen Ta’Bois, STEM Specialist, Ministry of Education, Youth, Sports, Agriculture & Lands  as well as Lenford Wilks, Video Production Specialist, Government Information Services .

For additional information on the School Jingle Competition or on waste reduction; please visit the DEH website atwww.deh.gov.ky