On Friday, June 8th, in support of World Oceans Day, the schoolchildren of Cayman delivered letters to the Minister of the Environment, the Honourable Dwayne Seymour JP, MLA, urging the Cayman Islands Government to take a stand against plastic pollution by banning single-use plastics. Kindly also in attendance were Councilor for the Environment, Capt. A Eugene Ebanks, JP, MLA, Chief Officer Jennifer Ahern, Deputy chief officer Nancy Bernard and Director for Department of Environment, Gina Ebanks-Petrie. For the National Trust Nadia Hardie, Executive Director and Catherine Childs, Education Programmes Manager.

The theme of World Ocean Day 2018 is “preventing plastic pollution and encouraging solutions for a healthy ocean.” Children from St. Ignatius Catholic School (junior and high school), Cayman Prep Junior and High School, Cayman International School, Edna Moyle Primary School and Montessori by the Sea took part in the event.  Other schools who participated but were unable to attend the handover included Hope Academy, Clifton Hunter High School and John A. Cumber Primary School. The children joined together to represent the youth of the Cayman Islands in order to make their voices heard on this important issue.

The National Trust for the Cayman Islands organized the event in partnership with Plastic Free Cayman.  The continued prosperity of the Cayman Islands tourism product depends on crystal clear waters and clean beaches which face an ever-increasing threat from plastic pollution. The youth of the country clearly see the importance of preserving our delicate environment and hope that their ideas will be seriously considered. The National Trust and the children were grateful to the Honourable Minister Dwayne Seymour for meeting with them and accepting their letters and petitions.

For more information please visit www.nationaltrust.org.ky or call 749-1121.

IMAGE: By Kristi Anderson

Photo Caption: National Trust, Plastic Free Cayman, Cayman School Children with the Honorable Minister, Dwayne Seymour JP, MLA