2020 Earth Day Newsletter

NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM OF JAMAICA | 10-16 EAST STREET, KINGSTON, JAMAICA | (876) 922-0620-6 | [email protected] | WWW.NHMJ-IOJ.ORG.JM/ Vol 15 Issue 2

Earth Day 50th
Anniversary

"Earth Day is Everyday"

INSIDE THIS ISSUE: TIPS ON HOW TO KEEP IT GREEN!

Introduction about the USE FABRIC GROCERY BAGS
Competition RECYCLE ALUMINUM CANS
RECYCLE ALL PAPER PRODUCTS
Judges' Response WASH ONLY FULL LOADS OF
Posters Category LAUNDRY
TURN OFF LIGHTS WHEN YOU
Judges' Response LEAVE THE ROOM
Design Model Category USE ENERGY EFFICIENT LIGHT
BULBS
Judges' Response
Photograph Category

Judges' Response
Literary Arts Category

Earth Day Entrants

Earth Day Facilitators

Earth Day Judges

Special Awards:
Honourable Mention
Certificate of Merit

NHMJ Projects Update

Earth Day 2020 Partners and
Sponsors

Introduction to the Earth Day Competition

NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM OF JAMAICA | 10-16 EAST STREET, KINGSTON, JAMAICA | (876) 922-0620-6 | [email protected] | WWW.NHMJ-IOJ.ORG.JM/ The Earth Day Competition is an annual event that is hosted by the Natural History
Museum of Jamaica. This year's competition is fashioned for students from ages 12
to 19 who are currently in high school, church group or community club. This years
competition was a successful one despite the global pandemic COVID-19. The
students were unable to participate in the Award Ceremony physically, however,
they were able to participate via our social media platforms Facebook, Twitter and
Instagram.

Fifteen schools participated with one hundred and twenty-five (125) entries.

Students from Primary and Secondary institutions participated with multiple
entries.

We also had one person participating in the open video category showcasing the
beauty that nature has to offer.

Creative Categories
included:

Poster If you are just a lover of
Photography nature and enjoy videoing
Design Model as your day to day
Literary Arts activity, a category was
reserved just for you ..
the....

Video Category

1

NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM OF JAMAICA | 10-16 EAST STREET, KINGSTON, JAMAICA | (876) 922-0620-6 | [email protected] | WWW.NHMJ-IOJ.ORG.JM/ POSTER CATEGORY
Judges Response for Poster Category

Throughout the Competition the ‘Honorable Mention’ winners were persons who
scored 80% and over.

There were 3 entries for this category:
Entries number 25 by Brittania Beckford, 27 by Christina Chang, and 34 by

Arielle Edwards
Some general comments that some of the judges had were as follows:
“There were some very good posters among the entries! I think we have some

very talented young artists in our midst” .
“A few artists may not have captured the theme, i.e. neither earth fever nor its

effects were discernible".
“The children basically understood the topic, but most were challenged to design

the posters effectively”.

2

NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM OF JAMAICA | 10-16 EAST STREET, KINGSTON, JAMAICA | (876) 922-0620-6 | [email protected] | WWW.NHMJ-IOJ.ORG.JM/ St Andrew High St Andrew High for Girls The Cedar Grove Academy
Davea Wedderburn Donnae Johnson Zadon Scott
"The Earth is Burning up" "Earth's Di lemma" "I Am Burning"

Port Antonio High Montego Bay High Port Antonio High
Jelani Adams Ty-era Hamil Drewnessa Francis
"Global Effects of Climate Change"
"Earth Fever: The Roasting Earth" "Earth at the Palm of our Hands"

The Cedar Grove Academy St Mary High Port Antonio High
Akeli Powell Shelique Lindo Kenroy Campbell
"How it SHould be" "Earth Fever: The Meltondown"
"What I am to What I Could be"

St Mary High York Castle High St Mary High
Fabian Simmonds Justyn Allen Mark Sterling
"Earth Fever" "The Little Time We Have"
"Heal Earth"

Port Antonio High Norman Manley High St Andrew High for Girls
Dontea Richards Davia Hall Ritania Beckford
"Earth Fever: The Exploited Earth"
"The Earth's Fever" "Earth Deadliest Disease: Climate
Change"
3

NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM OF JAMAICA | 10-16 EAST STREET, KINGSTON, JAMAICA | (876) 922-0620-6 | [email protected] | WWW.NHMJ-IOJ.ORG.JM/ Norman Manley High Hillel Academy School St. Andrew High for Girls
Tamera Williams Zoe Walker Kellisa Grant

"The Earth's Magnified" "Earth Fever: The Effects of Climate "Earth Fever: The Effects of Climate
Change" Change"

St Andrew High for Girls St Mary High Foga Road High
Kashawna Taylor Britney Nicholson Christina Chang
"Nature's Glory" "Melting Earth"
"Save our Earth and Keep it Clean"

St. Jago High St Andrew High for Girls St Mary High
Georgia Edwards Angelique Spencer Britney Nicholson
"Save the Planet"
"Earth Fever, Effects of Climate "Poster"
Change"

4

NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM OF JAMAICA | 10-16 EAST STREET, KINGSTON, JAMAICA | (876) 922-0620-6 | [email protected] | WWW.NHMJ-IOJ.ORG.JM/ St. Jago High Norman Manley High The Cedar Grove Academy
Javan Sutherland Tamera Williams Brittania Beckford

"Earth Fever" "The Earth's Magnified" "Control the Heat or Face Life
Defeat"

The Cedar Grove Academy Foga Road High Montego Bay High
Brittania Beckford Shemar Bernard Sahel Hamilton
"Earth Waxing Hot"
"Control the Heat or Face Life "Turn Down D Flame"
Defeat"

Norman Manely High St. Jago High
Rujilio Binns Kamary Harvey

"The Split Earth" "Earth Fever"

5

NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM OF JAMAICA | 10-16 EAST STREET, KINGSTON, JAMAICA | (876) 922-0620-6 | [email protected] | WWW.NHMJ-IOJ.ORG.JM/ 2nd AND 3rd PLACE WINNERS OF THE POSTER CATEGORY

Save the Planet

Third Place winners received:
IOJ individual Trophy
Hope Zoo (Gift Pass for 3)
Cash Prize $8000

By: Georgia Edwards,
St. Jago High School

Earth Fever

Second Place winner received:
IOJ individual Trophy
Cash Prize 10,000
Hope zoo (Gift Pass for 3 )
Turtle River Falls (Gift Pass for 2)

By: Javan Sutherland, St.
Jago High School

6

NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM OF JAMAICA | 10-16 EAST STREET, KINGSTON, JAMAICA | (876) 922-0620-6 | [email protected] | WWW.NHMJ-IOJ.ORG.JM/ 1st PLACE WINNER OF THE POSTER CATEGORY

Earth Waxing Hot

By: Shemar Bernard, Foga Road High School
First Place winner received:
IOJ individual Trophy
School Trophy
Kool Runnings (Gift Pass for 1)
Cash Prize 12,000

7

NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM OF JAMAICA | 10-16 EAST STREET, KINGSTON, JAMAICA | (876) 922-0620-6 | [email protected] | WWW.NHMJ-IOJ.ORG.JM/ DESIGN MODEL CATEGORY
Judges Response for Design Model Category

One of the judges comment stated that the 1st place entry number 9 “execution
was good”

For the 2nd place entry number 5 the judges thought it was an “Excellent, well
done and clever finish.”

General comments sent by judges:
"Some of the pieces needed deeper analysis and execution and lacked colour and
detail".
"Some of the pieces needed to be more creative - needing more thought".
"At times, though creativity was lacking, the finish for some was simple and there
was a direct attempt to make use of medium".

8

NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM OF JAMAICA | 10-16 EAST STREET, KINGSTON, JAMAICA | (876) 922-0620-6 | [email protected] | WWW.NHMJ-IOJ.ORG.JM/ The Cedar Grove Academy St Andrew High for Girls Chandlers Pen Primary
"Tree of Life" Jada Powell Dontae Jones
"Island wine"
"Rainbow Decorator"

Temple Hall Mennonite Church Chandlers Pen Primary Chandlers Pen Primary
Janeil Norman Shantavia Longley Dontae Jones
"Flower" "Dust Scoop"
"The Coconut Within (Green is Gold)"

Chandlers Pen Primary Chandlers Pen Primary
Jhanell Harris Sherona Walters
"Paint holder" "Fidget Spinner"

St Mary High Chandlers Pen Primary Chandlers Pen Primary
Britney Nicholson Kellis Smith Shantavia Longley
"Wooden Garden" "Sit-up-mat" "Place mats"

9

NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM OF JAMAICA | 10-16 EAST STREET, KINGSTON, JAMAICA | (876) 922-0620-6 | [email protected] | WWW.NHMJ-IOJ.ORG.JM/ 2nd AND 3rd PLACE WINNERS OF THE DESIGN
MODEL CATEGORY
Sit-up-mat

Third Place winner received:
IOJ individual Trophy
Cash Prize $8000
Hope Zoo (Gift Pass for 3)

By: Kellis Smith, Chandlers Pen Primary
School

Flower from used spoons

Second Place winner received:
IOJ individual Trophy
Cash Prize 10,000
Turtle River Falls (Gift Pass
for 2 )

By: Shantavia Longley,
Chandlers Pen Primary School

10

NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM OF JAMAICA | 10-16 EAST STREET, KINGSTON, JAMAICA | (876) 922-0620-6 | [email protected] | WWW.NHMJ-IOJ.ORG.JM/ 1st PLACE WINNER OF THE DESIGN MODEL
CATEGORY
Tree of Life

By: Jaquan Morris, The Cedar Grove Academy
First Place winner received:
IOJ individual Trophy
School Trophy
Chukka Adventure Tour (Gift Pass for 2 )
3 months internship with 360 Recycle Company
Cash Prize 12,000

11

NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM OF JAMAICA | 10-16 EAST STREET, KINGSTON, JAMAICA | (876) 922-0620-6 | [email protected] | WWW.NHMJ-IOJ.ORG.JM/ PHOTOGRAPHY CATEGORY
Judges Response for Photograph Category

One of the judges stated that the first place winner entry was “very creative, and
have excellent artistic quality” .

General comments sent by judges:
“The photos submitted were stunning and highlighted the beauty of Jamaica’s
natural heritage. In addition to the general areas outlined I also considered
background and creativity with regard to outside the box thinking. Though all
photos were wonderful and, in my estimation, captured the theme, those photos
that had the edge were those that were “different”, that is; not capturing similar
spaces/plants” .
“Great interpretation, creativity and artistic quality”

12

NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM OF JAMAICA | 10-16 EAST STREET, KINGSTON, JAMAICA | (876) 922-0620-6 | [email protected] | WWW.NHMJ-IOJ.ORG.JM/ Port Antonia High School St Mary high School Foga Road High School
Sylvester Clarke Kadref McLersh Gianna Smith
"Entangled"
"La Bonita Peligrosa" "Crocs Eco-Home: Salt Creek
Beauty"

The Cedar Grove Academy The Cedar Grove Academy The Cedar Grove Academy
Soyini Slater Soyini Slater Shawn-J Williams

"Apocolypse (Kalanchoe)" "Rainy Day (Hibiscus)" "Sunburst (Allamanda)"

The Cedar Grove Academy The Cedar Grove Academy The Cedar Grove Academy
Sue-Andre Bent Sue-Andre Bent Sue-Andre Bent

"Cluster-phobic 1 (Lantana "Cluster-phobic 2 (Lantana "My tenticles of venom
Camara)" Camara) (Oleander)"

The Cedar Grove Academy The Cedar Grove Academy The Cedar Grove Academy
Sahara Fagan Sahara Fagan Dandre McKenzie
"Colantro's Nest"
"Self Defence (Crown of thorn)" "A Dose of my own medicine
(Oleander)"
13

NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM OF JAMAICA | 10-16 EAST STREET, KINGSTON, JAMAICA | (876) 922-0620-6 | [email protected] | WWW.NHMJ-IOJ.ORG.JM/ The Cedar Grove Academy The Cedar Grove Academy The Cedar Grove Academy The Cedar Grove Academy
Sashara Fagan Sashara Fagan Sashara Fagan Soyini Slater
"Purple Blood" "Red Blood"
"Collision (The Combination of "Hello Yellow (Allamanda)"
Chaos) (Oleander)"

The Cedar Grove Academy The Cedar Grove Academy The Cedar Grove Academy The Cedar Grove Academy
Amir Atkinson Soyini Slater Dandre McKenzie Jhadane Hyde
"Beauty is Pain"
"(Plumbago) Two of a kind" "Be Gone (Begonia)" "My white Spots (Dieffenbachia)"

The Cedar Grove Academy St Mary High School St Mary High School Montego Bay High School
Jahlando Harris Tyreke Scott Britney Nicholson Sahel Hamilton
"Cinder"
"Beauty to ashes: The Planet is "Dangerously Precious" "Do not distrub a hardworking
Beautiful" honeybee or preparfe to flee"

14

NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM OF JAMAICA | 10-16 EAST STREET, KINGSTON, JAMAICA | (876) 922-0620-6 | [email protected] | WWW.NHMJ-IOJ.ORG.JM/ Port Antonia High School Port Antonia High School Port Antonia High School Port Antonia High School
Antwan Gordon Antwan Gordon Kevar Coulson Kevar Coulson

"Toxic Oleander of Beauty" "The Snow Hill Peril Drop" "Rio Grande's Perilous "Admirable Perils of Portlands
Confluence" Rio Grande"

Foga Road High School Foga Road High School Chandlers Pen Primary School St Mary High School
Gianna Smith Gianna Smith Brittanique Lindo Tyrek Scott
"Trapped"
"Green but Unseen" "The Oleander " Beautiful But "Coarse Coast"
Deadly"

St Andrew High School for Girls Montego Bay High School York Castle School
Jada Powell Ty-era Hamil Aalyia Cato

"Swamp Beauty" "Behold the Sun" "Yacca Spanish Bayonet"

15

NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM OF JAMAICA | 10-16 EAST STREET, KINGSTON, JAMAICA | (876) 922-0620-6 | [email protected] | WWW.NHMJ-IOJ.ORG.JM/ The Cedar Grove Academy The Cedar Grove Academy St Mary High School
Dandre McKenzie Dandre McKenzie Sylvester Clarke
"Burning Beauty" "Beautiful Heart"
"Crocs Eco-Home: Salt Creek
Beauty"

Foga Road High School The Cedar Grove Academy St Mary High School
Gianna Smith Dandre McKenzie Tyries Hines
"Unnoticed"
"Heart of Gold (Begonia)" "Creature on the web"

St Mary High School St Mary High School St Mary High School
Tyreke Scott Kadref McLersh Tyreke Scott

"Perilous Pollens" "The Shining Depth of the Signing "Pyro-spherical"
sea"

St Mary High School
Gianna Smith
"Surrounded"

16

NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM OF JAMAICA | 10-16 EAST STREET, KINGSTON, JAMAICA | (876) 922-0620-6 | [email protected] | WWW.NHMJ-IOJ.ORG.JM/ 2nd AND 3rd PLACE WINNERS OF THE PHOTOGRAPHY
CATEGORY

Do not distrub a hardworking
honeybee or prepare to flee

Third Place winner received:
IOJ individual Trophy
Turtle River Falls(Gift Pass for 2)
Hope zoo (Gift Pass for 3)
Cash Prize $8000

Sahel Hamilton, Montego Bay High

Creature on the web

Second Place winner received:
IOJ individual Trophy
Cash Prize $10,000
Turtle River Falls (Gift pass for 2)
Kool Runnings (Gift pass for 1)

By: Tyries Hines, St Mary High
School

17

NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM OF JAMAICA | 10-16 EAST STREET, KINGSTON, JAMAICA | (876) 922-0620-6 | [email protected] | WWW.NHMJ-IOJ.ORG.JM/ 1st PLACE WINNER OF THE PHOTOGRAPHY CATEGORY
Beauty is Pain

By: Dandre McKenzie, The Cedar Grove Academy
First Place winner received:
School Trophy
IOJ individual Trophy

Chuuka Adventure Tour (Gift pass for 2)
Cash Prize $12,000

18

NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM OF JAMAICA | 10-16 EAST STREET, KINGSTON, JAMAICA | (876) 922-0620-6 | [email protected] | WWW.NHMJ-IOJ.ORG.JM/ LITERARY ARTS CATEGORY

Judges Response for Literary Arts Category

Judges stated that the first place winner entry was:

“Impressively imaginative and thought provoking, could have explored the solutions in a
little more detail in the last paragraph”.

"Intriguing, good plot”.

“LOVE IT”.

For the second place entry the some of the judges thought it has:

“Excellent content and expression”

“Definitely a poem worth publishing. Excellent work”

“Very good!”

General comments sent by judges:

"The poems and stories were of a higher standard than that of the essays. Some issues
was that references were not cited properly for some students or there was evidence of
in text references missing. In fact, the majority did not undertake proper citation of the
list of references".

"Some of the entries showed good imagery, evidence of research, insight and good use
of literary devices. Some words were misspelt, for example: using ‘u’ instead of ‘you’ and
‘banning’ instead of ‘banding’".

"Saw a few with inconsistencies such as starting off with energy but lacking rhythm after
subsequent verses. Some stories showed an intriguing, good plot. A few had theme not
adequately addressed. Students should be careful to write within their context, that is,
there was an entry that used names of children that were not Jamaican names".

“Practical application to Jamaican landscape and current world affairs”

“Very impressive poem. Not sure of title choice”.

“Informative, thought provoking piece written with a sense of humour”.

“Melodic with substantive content”.

"Good original content well researched.

19

NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM OF JAMAICA | 10-16 EAST STREET, KINGSTON, JAMAICA | (876) 922-0620-6 | [email protected] | WWW.NHMJ-IOJ.ORG.JM/ Saving Earth- The Fight Against Climate Disasters at our Doorstep:  Responding
Change to the

… In retrospect, “starting the conversation”, Effects of Climate Change
reducing our carbon footprint as well as
practicing the 3 R’s of sustainability are all ...As climate change threatens
key ways we can save our planet. Seeing the very existence of mankind;
that climate change will affect us all, we scientists, environmentalists and
have to each contribute in whatever way we industrialists are seeking better, more
can. A change can be made, but it starts efficient and greener ways to live in
with you… order to preserve the continuation of
healthy human life...
By: Anthony Smith
School: York Castle High School By: Jahmari Beecher
School: St. Mary High School
Disaster at our Doorsteps
Crumble at Our Feet
...Summer tans now become crisp
burns and even green bushes set ...Animals must now be protected!
ablaze under the pelting heat of the They are vulnerable, they need to be
sun. If the ozone should deplete respected!
further, then we become walking Seas must be on constant observation.
cancer and butter plastered on tar... Now, being a lifeguard is an official
occupation!
By: Britney Nicholson As each one must guard the earth
School: St. Mary High from
possible destruction...
Deadly Change
By: Daniel Bailey
...And drought that is the worst. School: St. Mary High School
When the summer days are hot and long
and you’re dying of thirst. You’re soaked A letter to future me
with sweat from head to toe and you can’t
even take a shower because there is no Dear future me,...Believe it or not, there
water in was once a time when I woke up to. Clear
the pipe. So you do the next best thing; you blue skies, trees dancing in the wind,Fields
go to the river and cool off. Let’s come of green, water as clear as crystal.I never
together and save the earth It’s our planet dreamt that one day I would witness the
after all... demolition of mother earth!The sky is no
longer clear but is now like a black blanket,
By: Renique Thorpe blocking the beautiful rays of the sun…. Air
School: St. Mary High School pollution suffocating the earth with its filthy
hands…
Our Present World and Future Generations
A Cause for Concern By: Jahmelia James
School: York Castle High School
...Climate change should not be taken
lightly as its consequences are far greater The Race
than the temporary benefits we receive
form engaging in activities that endanger ...Do we have a chance of winning this race?
the environment It was Franklin D. Correcting the damages we've caused to this
Roosevelt who stated “A nation that place.... Dumping plastic and cutting its
destroys its soils destroys itself. Forests are trees..... Educate yourself on climate
the lungs of our change.. Remember that you get what you
land, purifying the air and giving fresh give...
strength to our people”...
Name: Justyn Allen
Name: Justyn Allen
School: York Castle High School School: York Castle High School

20

NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM OF JAMAICA | 10-16 EAST STREET, KINGSTON, JAMAICA | (876) 922-0620-6 | [email protected] | WWW.NHMJ-IOJ.ORG.JM/ Flora It Starts with Us

...“Australia is on fire, right after the ...She smiled and continued her
Amazon burn down. I mean all people think presentation directing it to me. “Do you
about is know how much land is lost daily just
getting rich and making a lot of money so because of rising sea levels? Beaches are
they cut down trees, burn them as if up til disappearing. Persons on the coastline are
now they don’t see that all this is causing weary because their land is being devoured
global warming, and a change in the by oceans. Do you know how hard it is to
weather pattern creating more and more keep a building cool nowadays? How much
disasters. I can bet it’s the heat that’s energy and in turn cash is needed for this?
causing all of this fire"... Global warming is no joke…”

By: Ajani Campbell By: Drew Davis
School: St. Mary High School School: St. Mary High School

“Mi Sense it” TEAMWORK: LET US COMBAT THIS!
Disaster at our doorsteps
...Educating others about how dangerous
...Di boiling sun dry up di river dung di these effects can be,Seems like a step in the
hill, A long fi guh dung deh, chuck off , right direction to me.For an ignorant man is
and swim. A mean di sun so hawt, mi of no use,If he doesn’t know what practices
wonder why di people dem a bleach to stop or reduce.Such as burning garbage
dem skin. A suh dem wicked to dem- which releases dangerous gases It’s not just
self, bout it a di in-ting... the practice of one, but the masses!...

By: Ryan McDonald By: Shelique Lindo
School: Seaforth High School School: St. Mary High School

Climate change?! ACTION NOW! The Beginning of the End

… “It’s our own fault. Climate change is a huge ...Whether it is by getting informed or doing
factor in the destruction going on now.” My our part, To save our planet, we’ve got to
mother took a seat beside us as she be working hard. So,stop burning the trees,
explained.  "Burning garbage, vehicle exhausts, Replant! And NO more polluting our seas!
aerosol sprays, factory smoke, deforestation, Burning garbage is a No! No!
they all contribute to climate change causing all Reduce the waste or Recycle!
this chaos on earth now. And best believe--is And pretty much there will be no longer-
only a few this, weh mi call!" She rolled her eyes The Beginning of the End...
as she thought about it…  

By: Sherai Campbell By: Kyle Gordon
School: St. Mary High School School: St. Mary High School

The disaster of my life. Time to Act!

"Before turning the knob, I heard a loud ...Acid rain and global warming,
thunder in the adjacent room and then Are only some of the effects.
what sounded like the waves of the sea. Polar caps melting, what will be next?
With more urgency I opened the door and We need to form a strategy,
my assumption was confirmed..’’ And we need to form it fast!
So that Mother Earth can be replenished,
By: Valaine Kirkland So that it may last...
School: St. Mary High School
By: Romar Simms
21 School: St. Mary High School

NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM OF JAMAICA | 10-16 EAST STREET, KINGSTON, JAMAICA | (876) 922-0620-6 | [email protected] | WWW.NHMJ-IOJ.ORG.JM/ Warning Earth Hurt: A Global Response

...Many people are dying. The human race is ...Why do we continue to hurt this
crying. The bush fires, the hurricanes, the wonderful place of birth? Our lovely home,
prolonged droughts, the over freeze in the the green and blue of beautiful planet
snow storm. earth. Burning fossil fuels are part of
Wake up! industrialization. Currently the subject of
It's a warning, a warning, a warning... much conversation. Learning of its effects
through information.,,
By: Shawnaya Minott
School: Port Antonio High School By: Samona Sudu
School: Port Antonio High School
Tallawahnians
Welcome Home
“Today is about investing in our future. We
will be planting trees today for a ..I salivate at the thought of it:Chaos, the
prosperous tomorrow’. She ran across to sweeping of a tsunami,The devastation of
the open field. “Everybody grab a fruit!” She an eruption,The shudders of an
exclaimed. She kneeled down where the soil earthquake,  Man, the warmth of
was fluffy and rich and began to dig." overpopulation.All entitled to the sprawling
of mayhem,On this beautiful ugly we praise
By: Arielle Edwards and exploit...this beautiful ugly we praise
School: Montego Bay High School and exploit...

A Different Perspective By: Amanda Rodriques
School: Hillel Academy High School
...Why would anyone want to destroy what
the world has to offer?....But who would This Place I call Home
listen to me right? I’m just an old bird
talking about what happened in his past, it ...This place isn't the some place anymore.
shouldn’t matter and has no relevance to Buildings are where they shouldn't be,
anything...right? My purpose of telling this Forests, left barren, leaving only eyesore...
story is so that mistakes won't happen
again, and maybe my side of this story By: Vibhas Ramani
would be on both sides of the situation, and School: Hillel Academy High School
then you can decide for yourself who was
right, who was wrong, and the reality of the Earth's Cry for Help
situation....
  ...Climate Change is accelerating as
disasters keep piling up, seas are warming,
By: Nicole Mair glaciers are melting, increasing the risk of
School: Hillel Academy High School tidal floods. Ice is disappearing from both
poles at an alarming rate, resulting in
A Look into Yester-year major negative changes to the changes to
the polar landscape. The rising CO2 levels
...Currently, I'm at the home of one of the due to the depletion of the trees. Is leading
world's last “Earthians”- a term given to the to crisis like death, crop reduction and
persons who were alive before the effects of deadly disease. We take earth for granted,
climate change really started shaking things fully knowing that we only have this one,
up. She tells tales of trees and free air, not thinking of the consequences for one
wind as they called it, and I'm usually left chance and then it's all gone...
awestruck at her words...
By: Tamashella Rose
By: Drew Davis School: St. Mary High School
School: St. Mary High School

22

NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM OF JAMAICA | 10-16 EAST STREET, KINGSTON, JAMAICA | (876) 922-0620-6 | [email protected] | WWW.NHMJ-IOJ.ORG.JM/ Disasters at our doorstep: Responding to The Most Traumatizing Day of my Life
the Effects of Climate Change
...Sir began talking about the neighbors who
...The climate is changing as the days goes must have been burning their garbage.
by. Earthquakes shaking us from left to Then he mentioned climate change without
right, will we die or will we survive? even finishing his sentence he was
Melting of polar caps and glaciers of ice... interrupted by Lenard who asked, " Sir how
climate change come in an a smoke we a
By: Thalia Johnson talk bout?"
School: St Mary High School "Smoke is carbon dioxide which is a
greenhouse gas and so it has the ability to
Humans and their corrections with Climate trap heat from the sun", sir explained...
Change
By: Bevicka Davey
...We should also not only encourage School: St Mary High School
recycling but also actively engage init.
Recycling helps reduce greenhouse gas Is it Strange
emission by reducing energy consumption.
Using recycle materials to make new ...Isn’t it strange that these are the effects of
product reduces the need for virgin climate change: no it’s not!It is due to years of
materials. This avoids greenhouse gas change, accumulating with no remorse, our
emissions that would result from extracting ancestors trying to make out of life the most.But I
or mining virgin materials... am here; Agent of Change tired of suffering for our
forefather’s outrage, and constantly trying to
By: Darnell Gray rearrange their outlandish rampage.So here are the
School: York Castle High School steps of my proactive approach…

Climate Change: Lets fix it By: Gavin Gordon
School: York Castle High School
...Conclusively, climate change has affected
our atmosphere tremendously locally, Sincerely
regionally and globally...It is suggested
that Jamaica tackle the urban heat island ...I apologize for not being able to-Heal you
by planting more trees and having green or with a touch of my hand,But I promise that I
cool roofs. Hopefully these actions can take will do all I can,To be the change that you
a huge toll on climate change so there will need to feel,And the listening ear to your
no longer be a disaster at our doorstep... appeal…//// Sincerely, let’s save the Earth
together,Sincerely, I believe we can do
By: Maria Timbawala better.
School: Immaculate conception High School  

Global Warming a Hoax By: Candice Garwood
School: Immaculate conception High School
...The  emanations of carbon gases through
the use of devices such as computers and The Change is Gradual
mobile phones has also been a pivotal crux
to the global warming society. Theoretically ...She cannot take it anymore,Her body
it is believed that six percent of the carbon starts to react to the malicious dwellers
discharge on planet transpired from our within her,She has been absorbing this for
electric devices through the immoderate use far too long:The smoke from the fuel cigar
of energy. Having said that the information of the factories, machine and cars,The
and Communication Technologies (ICT) floating debris in her harbour, gullies and
sector have already institutes a explication rivers that pollute her blood vessels,The
to toggle this issue,.. charring fires of the dumps and wildfires
that cloy, clog and destroy her lungs,And
By: Tyrell Walker the demolition of her flora and fauna
School: York Castle High School caused by human activities...

By: Rachelle Williams
School: Immaculate conception High School

23

NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM OF JAMAICA | 10-16 EAST STREET, KINGSTON, JAMAICA | (876) 922-0620-6 | [email protected] | WWW.NHMJ-IOJ.ORG.JM/ Headlines Why?

"To be released from the comfortable ...Why must I suffer because of my
misery on this planet, is to be on one accord forefather’s mistakes?They thought not of
and collectively submit, Our innovative the consequences their actions would
ideas to save this world from doom..’’ make,Instead, they thought of profit, a way
to make their lives easier...Now look at
By: Brianna Smith what is happening..
School: Immaculate conception High School
By: Jaeda Douglas
Mother's Children School: York Castle High School

...Man did this. Man did that. Man. Would.
Not. Stop. But how could they? They had
already come so far and did they not bow
to innovation and evolution? They were yet
to give their knees reprieve! So the cycle
continued, and the days ran long, and the
nights stretched to tearing. Until one
gracious day when it became too much!…
and Man--children no more of Mother--ran
themselves off the orbit of their planet
begging for mercy. “Mercy Mother, mercy
mercy mercy!”...

By: Amanda Rodriques
School: Hillel Academy High School

24

NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM OF JAMAICA | 10-16 EAST STREET, KINGSTON, JAMAICA | (876) 922-0620-6 | [email protected] | WWW.NHMJ-IOJ.ORG.JM/ THIRD PLACE

Tallawahnians

Sometimes, things are happening right before your eyes. Before everyone’s eyes for that matter. We have
eyes to see, yes? We look, gaze, peer and stare directly into the eyes of disaster at our door steps; the
destruction of our home, yet we disregard our visions and let it fall like the weird fruit from the Guango
Tree.

Ife had huge eyes, even for her eensy size. She had dark russet skin and thick black kinks stringing across
her broad forehead like the rest of the little people living in Mr. Hol’s Guango Tree. No more than two
inches tall. The little people living in the Guango, or Guango Village as the called it strive off a lot of
things. It used to have turgid winding branches as thick as cornmeal pudding that held billions of lush
green broad-faced leaves that spread from across the yard like rain, for what seemed like miles. Its
trunk, a great big trunk, jutted out from the ground perpendicularly and had winding paths, worn from
ages of travel.

The Guango provided them with everything they needed: the leaves were spun to make clothing and
boiled to make tea or medicine, they carved furniture from the never ending bark, built houses on the
flats of branches and in the night, at exactly 6:00 pm, the Guango would curl up its leaves to sleep and
wrap the little people in the folds to sleep with it. But now, the Guango was visibly approaching the jaws
of death and whether they wanted to admit it or not, so we’re its people. The once sturdy leaves would
go flaccid in the nights and stay that way for sometime even in the morning, they said it just forgot to
wake up and that it was a tired old tree. Tired it was indeed. The tree’s leave were exhausted from ages
of medicine making for the  now frequently sick people, basking weaving for the most extravagant finds
and spinning to make the most ostentatious of garments, but once the used leaves became used or
seemingly unusable, the villagers threw them away, just so. They didn’t try to recycle them or even place
them at the root of the tree for it to be swallowed up and reincarnated like their ancestors did. They
stopped caring for the tree that for them. Ife was among the small lot with big eyes, who were able to
see
what was happening right before them and understand how it will affect them in the future. Under the
kind shade of the tree, Ife was collecting water using the small basket that had been in her family for
years. “That should be enough”. She mumbled to herself rising from the small pond. She turned around
to start her journey back up the tree but halted as she noticed something different. The tree had been in
bad condition before… but on that afternoon as the wind violently rushed through the branches of the
tree causing it to produced an awful sound like mourning, it seemed as if Guango had worsened
overnight. The truck and branches resembled a skeleton and were paling. The now countable flaccid
leaves hung anxiously from the thin petiole stalk that connected it to the withering branches.

And from the small corner of her eyes, she caught something. From the tree that has been faithful to its
people for such a longtime, a large branch crackled through the rough the stiff evening breeze and
detached itself from the tree. It twisted and turned, letting off trails of ask it cut through the wind, finally
meeting the ground, letting out a thrash wail of defeat. Then there was silence. The basket weavers
stopped weaving, the seamstresses stopped sewing, the marauders, the littlest ones dashing in and out
of the trunk of the trees, the mixologists of the tree’s great divine, they all stopped. They all now had
eyes.

But it was too late. For years their rampant weightings and abuse of the tree’s loyalty went unpunished,
and the small efforts of those who cared to protect that home were overridden by those who did not see
fit. They never thought this day would come; the idea of abrupt demolition had never eclipsed their
thoughts, even with it being foreshadowed by gradual disfigurement. But Ife did.

25

NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM OF JAMAICA | 10-16 EAST STREET, KINGSTON, JAMAICA | (876) 922-0620-6 | [email protected] | WWW.NHMJ-IOJ.ORG.JM/ Tallawahnians Cont'd

“FLEE! FLEE!” One of the elders called out. Just like that the terrified Tallahwaninans dashed out of
their homes on sight of a word they never thought they’d hear before. The tree let out a hideous
roar as it began to collapse further. Ife watched in slight disbelief as her people dashed passed her
whilst the tree took its revenge. And then it hit her. A disfigured, pitchy patchy small lump of thing.
It was a fruit from the Guango. The Tallahwanians never used it for it was never ripe, not sweet and
stain bitterly. She stared at the excuse for a fruit intently. It had never helped then, so how could it
help now? “The fruits!” she turned around and shouted. Those within the range of her voice stopped
and stared at her incredulously. “Then strange sumting deh girl? Wah them go do fi wi now? Come
on! It look like one mussa lik yuh inna yuh head.” A lady cried as her two children were clutched to
her breast. Ife would not give up her home and would do anything it took. The lady was right, the
fruits were strange, but inside the fruit was an answer.

Some fruits are
Some fruits are sweet,
But in most if not all
fruits,
Lies a humble seed.
Split it open from the
middle,
And new beginnings you’ll
find,
For a thousand planted
seeds,
Are trees that can save mankind.

Ife used her small thumb to pierce the fruit and from the awkward opening shone a lone seed that
made her little heart leap. She remembered one day as Mr. Hol was sitting under the tree as he
usually did to write his speeches, he had written a promise to plant three million trees in three
years

“Today is about investing in our future. We will be planting trees today for a prosperous tomorrow.”

She ran across to open field. “Everyone grabs a fruit!” she exclaimed. She kneeled down where the
soil was fluffy and rich and began to dig. She was mad, the people thought, but having no other
choice that did the same. The Tallawahnians upon Ife’s command formed a perfect circle and dug
through the fertile womb of the earth. With whatever fruits they could get from the collapsing tree,
they retrieved the seeds and planted promise into the earth.

In one accord they stepped back from the circle and looked at Ife expectantly with mumbles of
doubt and uncertainty. Somehow knowing exactly what to do next, Ife looked to the clouds. The
skeleton left behind hissed and cracked and let out its last breath as it fell swiftly into a pile of ash.

Little is much when God is in it. Ife repeated as her head married the sky still with her hands
clasped. Then suddenly, the grey desolate clouds bore a mighty rain that pelted the circle in which
they stood, Mouths agape watched as a single thick green stalk shot up from where had knelt. It
grappled and twisted sharply into the air and with a resounding snap, branches and leaves shot
from the tall thick shaft, just so. The sky parted as the clouds made their exit and a strong beam of
light shone from the sun. The silence was strident for the second time that day. A solution to a
problem can be smaller than you think.

By: Arielle Edwards, Montego Bay High School

26

SECOND PLACE
Headlines

NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM OF JAMAICA | 10-16 EAST STREET, KINGSTON, JAMAICA | (876) 922-0620-6 | [email protected] | WWW.NHMJ-IOJ.ORG.JM/ Thick blankets of smokes that stretch across the The US’ Green America Campaign has taken a stance to
skies resurrect
What more evidence is there to make us realize? Normality on this earth by introducing the ‘Better Paper
What is becoming of this earth is greater than Project’
what To decrease deforestation and increase recycled paper to be
was foreseen used
As I glanced at the headlines that appeared on From the headlines, this is a measure for the issue to be
the defused
screen Fossil fuel industries are the main culprits of this
  crime
Innocent plants and trees are now black as coal Where all are suffering at this dark and perilous time
As the outbreak of flames greedily swallow them It is now the government’s duty to then implement taxes
whole Just like the headlines suggested in order reducing
This widespread impact is what we should be emission of greenhouse gases
fond of
Ad I studied the headlines that appeared from This will allow countries to gradually earn incentives
above And then make investments to implement other alternatives
  Subsidizing renewable energy resources will also be of aid
The pleasant air we breathe in was so pure As my concerns arose from the headlines that replayed
Now entangles with emissions of carbon that we
struggle to endure Our country has wasted no time to seize
It is clear that climate change has abducted An opportunity to make a change and plant a million trees
God’s It is this desire that we all must crave
gift to man As I had frightful flashbacks of headlines that mimicked a
As I frowned at the headlines with my head in tidal wave
my
hands The choking smell of burning non-biodegradable impurities,
  No longer have a place within our homes and communities
Our worlds is in danger as global temperatures Governments now seek to ban the use of plastic and
rise Styrofoam
Where the parched soil continue their deafening Based on printed headlines that my eyes now roam
cries
A devastating future seems to be just a stone’s It is also encouraged that we practice the art of carpool
throw away As well as turn to public transit to arrive at work and at
As I thought about the headlines that came on school
that These are simple things we should not look past
day With the newspaper headlines that were still within my
  grasp
Islands and countries are sinking slowly into the
quicksand To be released from the comfortable misery on this planet
Of the now rising sea levels that gradually Is to be on one accord and collectively submit
expand Our innovative ideas to save this world from doom
Climate change must not be taken with a grain With one final glance at the headlines
of
salt I deeply frowned
As from the headlines I have realized that we are With my head hanging down
all at fault And I quietly left the room.
   
Disaster is at our doorsteps, waiting for the right
time to attack By: Brianna Smith, Immaculate Conception High School
But unity is required in order to have the earth’s
back 27
As a collective force to instead,
Take measures based on the headlines I read
 
Our world must focus on the two main response
options
These measures are mitigation and adoption
Where plans are put in place to limit carbon
dioxide
in the atmosphere
Ant to adjust to changes that these headlines
wanted
to share
 

NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM OF JAMAICA | 10-16 EAST STREET, KINGSTON, JAMAICA | (876) 922-0620-6 | [email protected] | WWW.NHMJ-IOJ.ORG.JM/ FIRST PLACE

The Disaster of My Life

Living in an enclosed building with over 340 males is not an ideal situation. In fact, it is quite the
opposite, amidst the idea of the “great bonding opportunity” we ought to have coming to mind. A
typical morning starts with the ringing of a bell by a tall Caucasian man, and the frantic movement of
boys who shared similar characteristics to that of myself. The boys were of dark complexion, black
kinky hair, and were all survivors of the 2050 devastating hurricane which hit Durbeing three years ago.
It was the most intense natural disaster recorded in history; meteorologists had reported that it
exceeded a category 5 hurricane (never heard of) which left many homeless, separated from their
families and jobless among other things. However, there was one definite trait that differentiated us,
and it was the glimmer of hope I had. The belief I still held on to; that my father was still somewhere
out there waiting for me to call, waiting for me to say I was alive and well.  As I struggled out of bed,
my mind drifted back to the worst day of my life; it often did. It was an event that had haunted me ever
since. The medical doctors at this home had educated me that I was suffering from PTSD (Post-
traumatic stress disorder) which causes my insomnia. Andre!  Help me!”, my baby sister had screamed. I
stood frozen as I watched her tiny hands struggle to reach the handle of the chair. “Heelpp!!” As I
gained consciousness of what was taking place and was about to try and assist, a massive wave of
water proceeded towards us, covering her pale contorted face. I witnessed her final seconds of life as
she choked on the water. It would have covered mine too if it weren’t for the strong arms that came to
my rescue. The loving arms of my father, the only parent I had. In one swift movement, I was on his
back like old times and rushing through the door from the ‘sea monster’.

While showering, I could not help but break down in tears, the guilt of not helping my sister that day
continued to haunt me. Amy was dead because her only brother was useless. If only I could rewind the
hands of time. Showering was inscribed three times on our timetable because, amidst the multiple fans
in the building, many boys still suffered from heat stroke, one boy even died because of it during my
stay here. All the recent events were accredited to one major thing; Climate Change, at least that’s
what Mr. Samuels told us each evening on Weather Time. Living at the St. Jew's Shelter for Boys led to
a much-programmed lifestyle and so after having been awoken by the bell, showering and having
breakfast it was now time for me to attend my daily therapy session, the best part of my day. My
therapist was the only one who made my dream of seeing my dad again seem realistic unlike the other
counterparts at this shelter. In fact, he and I were secretly trying to locate and contact him. I remember
our first encounter like it was yesterday.
“There’s nothing to be afraid of, son., I won’t bite. Upon forcing a half smile, I then took a seat in the
white sofa, placing the fluffy cushions aside. “Okay,

I know you must have a lot to get off your chest, so go ahead. “A bit hesitant at first, I gave him a very
vague synopsis about my childhood and my mother’s death, which was attributed to sickle cell. The
more I spoke the more relaxed I
became; so much so that I began to explain in full details the happenings of the day I was separated
from my family.

  “Well, the day started with preparations for the predicted category two hurricane that was
approaching the island, but looking back, no amount of preparation we did that day could have
lessened the effects, because the winds eventually lifted the house itself from its foundation. Amy, who
was only nine, had insisted on helping us that morning. And so, as dad held the ladder, I collected the
nails from Amy and went up to fasten them unto the board across the windows. We worked quickly
before the sun rose because if the job didn’t tire us the temperature surely would have. Durbeing was
known for its elevated temperatures; the weather pattern has been like this for over 15 years. The sun,
however, was now  being contested by the approaching dark clouds; the wind too was gradually
becoming stronger.  After completing our task, we all returned inside to reward ourselves with a
healthy breakfast for our hard work.

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NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM OF JAMAICA | 10-16 EAST STREET, KINGSTON, JAMAICA | (876) 922-0620-6 | [email protected] | WWW.NHMJ-IOJ.ORG.JM/ The Disaster of My Life Cont'd

It started to rain soon after, and I could hear the roars of the wind outside getting louder, seemingly
mocking me. The dark clouds had won. Dad, who had been tracking the storm via the television all
morning, informed us that the sea level had risen by a significant height in the last hour and there was
a great possibility of flooding. At the time, we thought that the possibility of a flood in Jamaica was
quite far-fetched, absurd even. But this notion was quickly dispelled when we realized that it had been
raining heavily for the a few hours non-stop and the news reporter had then confirmed our worst fears.
The sea had over flown its bank. “Start packing!” my dad kept repeating, each time the fear and volume
increased in his voice. “Important things only, and find your sister, where is she?” I searched for mom’s
smallest suitcase and once I found it, I filled it with our most important documents, which were already
in a Ziploc bag. I then included tin items from the pantry and clothes. It was now time to search for
Amy, but, while I was doing so, the electricity went out.  Reminiscing, it could be said that the loss of
electricity was a sort of signal from the universe warning me that a series of bad events would follow.
(I was,  however, oblivious to this at the time). Finding my way out of the living room was not
particularly difficult because my sister and I often played a game similar to this, I had informed the
therapist.

We would take turns closing our eyes while the other led the way either by talking or singing. I started
in our bedroom first. There, I retrieved a flashlight. While frantically shouting, “Amy", I then checked
under the beds, in the bathroom and even in the closets but Amy was nowhere to be found. I
searched in vain throughout the other parts of the house, saving what used to be my mother’s office for
last. Why hadn’t I thought of this before; whenever Amy felt scared, she tried to comfort herself with
something affiliated to mom.  Before turning the knob, I heard a loud thunder in the adjacent room and
then what sounded like the waves of the sea. With more urgency I opened the door and my assumption
was confirmed. I was greeted by a body of water and my sister attempting to hold on for dear life. Her
cries for help went unanswered as I was frozen in place by fear and when I did regain life, I was
hindered by a new body of water approaching. The sea monster then proceeded to take my sister
despite my cries. My dad, however, came to my rescue before it could take me too. He carried me on his
back through the front door. All the way, through tears and hysteric crying, I informed him of what had
taken place. Water had filled the house to the point where whilst being carried on my father’s back my
trousers was soaked. 

When we made it outside, we were greeted by some well- known fishermen in the community and their
boat; in it also was the suitcase I had packed. My dad transferred me from his back to the boat where
the fishermen attempted to comfort me. That was the last time I saw my father. He had re-entered the
house and as soon he did the men paddled off despite my protest. In subsequent sessions, we talked
about all you could think of, ways in which we would investigate to find my father, my experience here
at the shelter, trending books and innovation like the Z-phone 10. Each session, he would remind me to
say nothing about our investigation to anyone and then
enlighten me on his new findings. Sometimes my hopes were raised in vain. Other times it was worth it.

“Anxiously, I now pulled the door to meet Dr. Jones. He was of fair complexion and was about 6 feet
tall. He had curly black hair and, oftentimes, looked over his glasses as opposed to through it.
Although he had a large structure, he was not in any way intimidating because of his always cheerful
demeanour. He welcomed me with a hug and then we both took a seat.

“Guess what? I have good news.?” My face quickly lit up. “What is it, what is it?” “I’ll tell you after you
give me your update.” Well, I still hate this place, I hate how the other members of staff treat us and
let’s not even start on the relationship between myself and the boys who bullied me because that is
still non-existent. But I guess I have utilized some of your advice and subsequently, I am more tolerant
of them.

29

NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM OF JAMAICA | 10-16 EAST STREET, KINGSTON, JAMAICA | (876) 922-0620-6 | [email protected] | WWW.NHMJ-IOJ.ORG.JM/ The Disaster of My Life Cont'd

That’s good”, he responded.  Well I managed to locate your dad; he said with a smirk while showing me
a picture of him, one he retrieved from his notebook. “Who is the girl beside him?”, I asked.  “I don’t
know”, the doctor responded.

Words could not explain the immense joy I felt. After six years of separation, I would finally be reunited
with what was left of my family. The days leading up to that Friday were a blur. I spent my days
thinking of all the things we would converse about.  Friday morning, I awoke bright and early and went
inside the suitcase to find the most appropriate outfit. One that did not reflect all the hardships I
experienced here at the St. Jew’s home for boys. Dr Jones enlightened me that he would be here at
9’oclock. I was, nevertheless, dressed and waiting by 8’oclock. I spent the hour  reading books on the
causes and effects of Climate Change. It was the only thing that intrigued my interest over the years as
it had led to many of the tragedies in my life. 

My mom passed away when I was only ten and so my dad and I shared a very close relationship. He
had informed me that my mom had sickle cell disease which had worsened over the years because of
the fluctuation and extremity of the weather. The millions of dollars we  spent on medication and
treatment went in vain as they were unable to curb the life- threatening effects of the ailment. The
effects of climate change also led to the great hurricane and flood that separated many families like
mine. The book informed me that climate change causes the sea level to rise and also leads to more
frequent and intense natural disasters. The climate has changed severely over the years, this is evident
in  the difference in temperature now when compared to 2030 which is 15° C.The book also explained
that climate change is also the reason why now than ever Durbeing was experiencing frequent
earthquakes. Something must be done! This was conclusion I came to at the end of each book and it
weighed heavily on my thoughts. By the time I finished reading the 25-page book (at 9:15am) a
gentleman of   5'9" entered the building. Visitors here were very rare and so, I automatically knew by
the sound of the door opening, that it was him. Before standing, I scanned him from head to toe. He
was wearing a beige cap marked “Green Protectors” and a matching shirt. He was also attired in a pair
of dark jeans and white Adidas; I laughed a little to myself as Adidas were a brand of sneakers he
never wore. He was more of an old school type of dad when it came to dressing and so this was a big
change; upgrade even. The addition of a gold watch and chain was also something new to me. After
inspection, it was then that I realized that he was not alone. To his right was a little girl dressed in
similar attire. She too wore jeans and matching top and cap, but hers was instead in royal blue. Her
hair was neatly braided and at the end of each braid was a series of colourful beads. She had a black
knapsack and held on tightly to a woman who was not much taller than her.

After a mental scan of all the people I knew, I then confirmed with myself that this lady was not one of
them. Without waiting for Dr. Jones’ prompting, I ran towards my dad and, as expected, he welcomed
me with open arms, the biggest smile and tears of joy. After hugging tightly for what felt like hours, he
then released me and introduced me to a lady, who he later informed me was his co-worker. “Who is
the little  girl?” I asked.
What do you mean Andre? he questioned laughingly. “She’s your sister silly!!” “Amy? Bu-ut Amy died,” I
responded.

“I almost died, but that was years ago. I’m fine now,” Amy interjected. I did not know how to respond
but my body seemed to respond before I could think, as I threw my body on top of hers and held her in
a tight embrace. We spent the remainder of the evening attempting to catch up on what we had been
missing out on in each other’s lives. They had not missed out on much in mine, but I found out that Dad
was now the CEO of an environmental company. The company was seeking to lessen or reverse the
effects of climate change. My sister was also a part of this project. This was amazing news as I had
thought about starting an initiative like this myself. This news was however topped when I heard that I
could leave the following day. It felt surreal but I was ready to start this new chapter in my life and
new memories with my family. Tomorrow is not promised; this I have learnt. Thank God for a second
chance.

30 By: Valaine Kirkland, St Mary High School

NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM OF JAMAICA | 10-16 EAST STREET, KINGSTON, JAMAICA | (876) 922-0620-6 | [email protected] | WWW.NHMJ-IOJ.ORG.JM/ EARTH DAY PRESENTATION HIGHLIGHTS

Earth Day Guest Speaker Message

Mrs. Indi Mclymont-Lafayette
Knowledge Management and Development
Communications Specialist, MEGJC with the
Adaptation Programme and Finance Mechanism of the
Climate Programme for Climate Resilience.

Despite the COVID-19 Pandemic Mrs. Mclymont-Lafayette wishes to congratulate the participants in
all the categories of the Earth Day Competition. She further explained that this competition highlighted
the interest of young persons in Climate Change and that everyone needed to have a vision that will
improve the current Climate Change problem that the environment is facing.

The aspect of the environment that can be addressed are the man-made actions. It is certain that
Jamaica is already seeing so many climate impacts such as: the scorching hot summers, Long
droughts, sea level rise causing stronger hurricanes and more floods.

How do we manage?
And
How can we manage?

She further explained that caring for the environment has to be apart
of our vision in both our individual communities and internationally.

Things you can think about when forming your vision are as follows:

1.Water Security- Climate projection stated that Jamaica will be experiencing longer droughts for
2020 and that National Works Agency has Water Restrictions.

Jamaican government is a part of the pilot programme for Climate Resilience and under PPCr there
are four programmes that is implemented to help the country with climate change. The largest one is
the Adaptation and Financing Mechanism. They have been doing a range of information to
mainstream climate change including rain water harvesting.

2. Disaster Preparation- Always have an individual or family disaster plan in case a hurricane comes
you have Home Insurance or Crop Insurance if you are a farmer.

3. Being informed
Mrs. Mclymont-Lafayette urges persons to keep themselves aware of what's happening in their
environment. One such thing to be aware of is the International Climate Change Agreement that
Jamaica has signed on to.
She explained that there are certain targets that are critical for small islands such as the 1.5 to stay
alive target.
If small islands do not get consensus on getting 1.5 reduction they will not be able to survive the
Climate Impact.

31

Some of the Participants of the Earth Day 2020
Competition

NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM OF JAMAICA | 10-16 EAST STREET, KINGSTON, JAMAICA | (876) 922-0620-6 | [email protected] | WWW.NHMJ-IOJ.ORG.JM/ Zoe Walker-Hillel Ty-era Hamil- Sherona Walters- Shawnaya Minott- Samona Sudu-Event Nicole Mair-Hillel Marley Jacobs-St. Maria Timbawala-
Chandler's Pen
Academy-Poster- Montego Bay High Primary School- Literary-Port Antonio Literary-Port Academy-"A Andrew High School Literary Arts-
"The effect of climate School-poster "Fidget Spinner" Immaculate
High School Antonio High School Different for Girls-Poster-
change" Conception High
Perspective" "Climate Chaos"
School-Climate

Change Let's Fix It

Kevlar Coulson-Port Khalil Francis- Jelani Adams-Port Brittanique Lindo- Antwan Gordon- Amanda Rodriques- Tyries Hines-St. Mary Kellis Smith-
Photography-Port Hillel Academy-"A High School- Chandler's Pen
Antonio High Poster-Port Antonio Antonio High School- Chandler's Pen Antonio High School Mother's Children" photography- Primary School-"Sit

School-Photography High School Poster Primary School- "Creature on the Upon Mat"
Web"
Photo of the

Oleander

Shantavia longley- Ryan McDonald- Port Antonia High Jhadane Hyde-The Kenroy Campbell- Jahlando Harrris-The Jahlando Harrris-The Sylvester Clarke-
Chandler's Pen Seaforth High School-Dontea Cedar Grove
Primary School- Richards-Poster Academy Poster-Port Antonia Cedar Grove Cedar Grove photograph-Port
"Place mats" School- "Mi Sense It"
High School Academy Academy Antonia High School

Vibhas Ramani- Sue-Andre Bent-The Dandré McKenzie - Nanvie Nervers- Rujelio Binns- Drewnessa Francis- Candice Garwood- Akeli Powell-The
Hillel Academy Cedar Grove photography-The Norman Manley High Immaculate Cedar Grove
Academy Norman Manley High Poster-Port Antonia Academy
Cedar Grove Conception High
Academy School High School School

Tamera-Norman Tamashella Rose-
Manley High School St. Mary High School

32

Some of the Facilitators for the Earth Day Competition

NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM OF JAMAICA | 10-16 EAST STREET, KINGSTON, JAMAICA | (876) 922-0620-6 | [email protected] | WWW.NHMJ-IOJ.ORG.JM/ Camile Clarke-Port Antonio Mrs Naddene Robinson-Norman Marsha Norman-Mennonite -Port Antonio High
High School-facilitator Manley High School-facilitator Temple-facilitator School-facilitator

T-Port Antonio High School- Sonia Russell-Montego Bay High Ms. Charmaine James-Chandler's Janice Washington-St. Mary
facilitator School-Facilitator Pen Primary School-Facilitator High School-Facilitator

Shennae Watt-Port Antonio High Ann-Kay Douglas-facilitator- Mrs. Lorna Thomas-Chandler's Sharon Thorpe-Immaculate Conception
School-facilitator The Cedar Grove Academy Pen Primary School-Facilitator High School-facilitator

Lance Graham-Hillel
Academy-Facilitator

33

Judges for the Earth Day 2020 Competition

NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM OF JAMAICA | 10-16 EAST STREET, KINGSTON, JAMAICA | (876) 922-0620-6 | [email protected] | WWW.NHMJ-IOJ.ORG.JM/ Gordon Williams, Engravers & Innovators, Jhannel Tomlinson, Georgette Francis, Programmes Coordination
Creative Studios Co-Founder Young People for Action, The Division (Junior Centres) Institute of Jamaica
University of the West Indies Mona, Jamaica

Eleanor Terrelonge, Director of Jamaica Climate Damian Shirley, Heritage Officer, Ministry of Cleon Ras JaJa Golding, Graphic Artist, Institute
Change Youth Council and Prime Minister Youth Culture, Gender Entertainment and Sports of Jamaica,

Awardee for environmental protection 2018

Richard Belto, Photgrapher, Scheed Cole, Chief Executive
Institute of Jamaica Officer, Artist and Designer, 360
Recycling Manufacturing Limited

Damion Whyte, Environmental Officer, Urban Beverly Lashley, National Librarian, National Dale Bedasse, Education Officer, Region 4,
Development Corporation Library of Jamaica Ministry of Education, Youth and Information

34

NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM OF JAMAICA | 10-16 EAST STREET, KINGSTON, JAMAICA | (876) 922-0620-6 | [email protected] | WWW.NHMJ-IOJ.ORG.JM/ Special Awards

Certificates of Honourable Mention for students who
participated with multiple entries

St Andrew High for Foga Road High
Girls "Climate Chaos" "Melting Earth"
Christina Chang
Marley Jacobs
Immaculate conception
High "Sincerely" Candice

Garwood

St Mary High School St Mary High School
"A Look into Yester- "Climate Change!

year" Drew Davis Action Now! Sherai
Campbell

Hillel Academy High Immaculate
School "A Different conception High
Perspective" (Short "Climate Change: Lets
Story) Nicole Mair
fix it" Maria
Timbawala

York Castle High Saving "Earth- The
fight against Climate Change" Anthony

Smith

The Cedar Grove Academy
"Control the Heat or Face

life defeat" Brittania
Beckford

YfuotrukrCeamstel"eJHamighel"iAa Jleatmteersto ScHh(ioSllhoeollr"AMt cSRoatotodhdreerymri)q'syAuCemHhsiaigldnhrdean"
StYroarnkgCe"aGstalevinHiGgohr"dIsonit YorkJCaaesdtaleDHoiugghlaWshy?

"TeTahSmitsw!MSoahrrkey:liHLqeiugtehuLsSicnchodomoobl at GImramHdiaugachul"l"TaRhtaeechcCoehlnalcenegWpetiilioslinams

35

NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM OF JAMAICA | 10-16 EAST STREET, KINGSTON, JAMAICA | (876) 922-0620-6 | [email protected] | WWW.NHMJ-IOJ.ORG.JM/ Special Awards

Certificates of Merits for students who participated with
outstanding entries

St Mary High "How it
Should be" Shelique

Lindo

St Mary High "Nature's
Glory" Britney
Nicholson

York Castle High "Earth
Fever" Justyn Allen

St Andrew High for Girls
Design Model "Island wine"

Jada Powell
Montego Bay High "Earth
at the Palm of our Hands"

Ty-era Hamil
Montego Bay High "Turn

Down D Flame" Sahel
Hamilton

36

Participating Institutions

NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM OF JAMAICA | 10-16 EAST STREET, KINGSTON, JAMAICA | (876) 922-0620-6 | [email protected] | WWW.NHMJ-IOJ.ORG.JM/ Immaculate Conception High St. Jago High St. Mary High

The Cedar Grove Academy St. Andrew High for Girls York Castle High

Port Antonio High Norman Manley High Montego Bay High

Foga Road High Hillel Academy Chandlers Pen Primary

Temple Hall Mennonite Seaforth High School
Church
37

NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM OF JAMAICA | 10-16 EAST STREET, KINGSTON, JAMAICA | (876) 922-0620-6 | [email protected] | WWW.NHMJ-IOJ.ORG.JM/

Natural History Museum of Jamaica (NHMJ) Project Updates

38

NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM OF JAMAICA | 10-16 EAST STREET, KINGSTON, JAMAICA | (876) 922-0620-6 | [email protected] | WWW.NHMJ-IOJ.ORG.JM/

Natural History Museum of Jamaica (NHMJ) Project Updates

39

NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM OF JAMAICA | 10-16 EAST STREET, KINGSTON, JAMAICA | (876) 922-0620-6 | [email protected] | WWW.NHMJ-IOJ.ORG.JM/ Partners & Sponsors of the Earth Day 2020 Competition

Thank you to our Partners & Sponsors of the
Earth Day 2020 Competition!

Winners were feted with great prizes!. . . .. . . Exclusive gourmet dining at The Tryall Club!
 . .

Exciting prospects of seeing exotic animals at the Hope Zoo. . . Chances to enjoy a diverse 
and

invigorating adventure park experience at the Kool Runnings Adventure Park, Turtle
River Falls and Gardens and also at the

Chukka Foundation! . . .  Great gift packages, trophies by Hyltons Limited and cash prizes
from Highway402000 East-West

NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM OF JAMAICA | 10-16 EAST STREET, KINGSTON, JAMAICA | (876) 922-0620-6 | [email protected] | WWW.NHMJ-IOJ.ORG.JM/ Nature Vibes

Produced by:
The Education Department
Natural History Museum of Jamaica

Institute of Jamaica
October 19, 2020
Featured Articles:

Mrs. Indi Mclymont-Lafayette
Knowledge Management and Development
Communications Specialist, MEGJC with the
Adaptation Programme and Finance Mechanism of the
Climate Programme for Climate Resilience.
Contributions from Student Entries of the

2020 Earth Day Competition
Editors & Graphic Designs:
Kareen Parks, Assistant Education Outreach Officer, NHMJ
Teona Thomas, Museum Programme Officer, NHMJ

©2019, By: Natural History Museum of Jamaica