CNS local Life

Schoolchildren, along with government officials and members of the National Trust and Plastic Free Cayman, at the presentation of the letters

(CNS Local Life): In support of World Oceans Day, 8 June, Cayman schoolchildren delivered letters to Minister of the Environment Dwayne Seymour, urging the Cayman Islands Government to ban single-use plastics. The theme of World Ocean Day 2018 is “Preventing plastic pollution and encouraging solutions for a healthy ocean”.

Students from St Ignatius Catholic School, Cayman Prep 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 were 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, stated a National Trust for the Cayman Islands press release.

The Trust organised 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,” said the National Trust in the press release.

“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 said, thanking Seymour on behalf of the organisation and the children for accepting their letters and petitions.

Also attending the event were Councillor for the Environment Capt. Eugene Ebanks, Chief Officer Jennifer Ahern, Deputy Chief Officer Nancy Bernard and Director of the Department of Environment, Gina Ebanks-Petrie, along with Nadia Hardie, Executive Director, and Catherine Childs, Education Programmes Manager, for the National Trust.

For more information, go to the National Trust website or call 749-1121