Earth Day 2019 Epic Displays

NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM OF JAMAICA | 10-16 EAST STREET, KINGSTON, JAMAICA | (876) 922-0620-6 | [email protected] | WWW.NHMJ-IOJ.ORG.JM/ September 30, 2019

EARTH DAY 2019

EPIC DISPLAY

"PROTECTING OUR SPECIES"

INSIDE ISSUE:

NATURAL  HISTORY  MUSEUM  OF  JAMAICA'S  Let's Give Nature A
EARTH DAY COMPETITION Helping Hand!
POSTER ENTRIES
DESIGN MODEL ENTRIES
PHOTOGRAPH ENTRIES
LITERARY ARTS ENTRIES
SPECIAL AWARDS
GUEST SPEAKER'S HIGHLIGHTS
EARTH DAY PERFORMANCE HIGHLIGHTS
PARTICIPATING INSTITUTIONS
PROTECTING OUR SPECIES EXHIBITION
PROJECT UPDATES & UPCOMING EVENTS
SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS
EARTH DAY 2020 COMPETITION NOW OPEN!
PUBLICATION INFORMATION

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

The Natural History Museum of Jamaica makes it a priority to conserve
and preserve Jamaica's Natural History on a daily basis. The Museum
provides assistance to researchers and environmentalists both locally
and internationally to help in  protecting our natural environment. The
2019 Earth Day Competition highlighted Jamaica's endemic plants and
animals and challenged individuals to contribute  a helping hand in
protecting our species and recognizing  the importance of these plants
and animals.

THIRTEEN SCHOOLS PARTICIPATED WITH ONE HUNDRED (100)
ENTRIES.

Students from Primary and secondary institutions participated with
multiple entries.

Persons also participated in an open video category showcasing the
beauty that nature has to offer.

Creative Categories included:

Poster
Photography
Design Model
Literary Arts
if you are just a lover of nature and enjoy videoing

as your day to day activity, a category was
reserved just for you .. the....

Video

Get to know the new
lunch lady - 3

1

POSTER CATEGORY

NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM OF JAMAICA | 10-16 EAST STREET, KINGSTON, JAMAICA | (876) 922-0620-6 | [email protected] | WWW.NHMJ-IOJ.ORG.JM/ Immaculate High School St Mary High School Immaculate High School Manchester High School
Hannah Ashleigh Smith Bobbi-Kaye Dunn
"Protect Me or Lose Me"  "Save the Manatee"  The Cedar Grove Academy J'Nelle Briana Bailey Sean Green
Kemona Nelson
"Protect The Innocent"  "Protect Me" 
"Mother Nature's Children"

Mt Alvernia St. Jago High School Mt Alvernia
Zaneka Wright Sanae Angus Zaneka Wright
"Protect Manatees" "Save Our Iguanas"
Immaculate High School "Protect It or Lose It!
Sabrina Lewin Your Choice" 
Seaforth High School "Protect Me or Lose Me"
Caheen Peart Seaforth High School
"Contrasting Environment"  Tyreek Miller

"Fruit Basket Fears" 

Seaforth High School Seaforth High School
Anthony Jowayne Webba Ryan McDonald 
"Save Our Earth"
"Flora Fading"

Seaforth High School Seaforth High School
Nahalia Richards Ashauna Hankle
"A Dying Story" 
"Under Water Danger" 

Seaforth High School Seaforth High School
Rennon Patterson Keturah Reid
"Under water woes"
"Menace to Marine Life" 

Bustamante High School Seaforth High School
Tallica Billett Lebert Ansby

"Endangered Jamaican Iguana"  "Visions of Brighter Days' 

St. Jago High School Bustamante High School Seaforth High School
Isha Samuels Shemar Matthews Rajay Pinnock

"Protect Me or Lose Me"  "Protect The Crocodile"  Floral Delight- "Protect Us From Dying" 

2

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

Third Place  | Menace to Marine Life | Keturah Reid 

L-R: Keturah Reid of Seaforth High School receiving gift
voucher from Thomas Lamothe, Managing Director, Jamaica

Infrastructure Operators

Second Place  | Protect the Crocodiles | Shemar Matthews

L-R: Shemar Matthews from Bustamante High School
receiving gift voucher from Thomas Lamothe, Managing

Director, Jamaica Infrastructure Operators

3

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
First Place  | Mother Nature's Children | Kemona Nelson 

L-R: Kimona Nelson of The Cedar Grove Academy receiving trophy and gift certificate from
Andrea Donaldson, Project Mangaer of the Projects Branch, NEPA

4

DESIGN MODEL CATEGORY

NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM OF JAMAICA | 10-16 EAST STREET, KINGSTON, JAMAICA | (876) 922-0620-6 | [email protected] | WWW.NHMJ-IOJ.ORG.JM/ St Mary High School Holy Trinity High School Holy Trinity High School
Toney-Kay Amos Giovanni Clarke Ansel Thompson
"Baby Croco "
"Swallow Tail Butterfly"  "The Little Green Turtle" 

Holy Trinity High School Holy Trinity High School St Mary High School
Jahvaney Jackson Jahuan Hall Lasania Denton
"Ackee"  "Iguana"
"The Laughing Frog" (Naah Laugh) 

Holy Trinity High School Chandler's Pen Primary
Davian Green   Chantelle Simmonds

"Iguana - Wound of Extinction" "Jah- Mek- Yah" 
Jamaican Boa

Mount Alvernia High Manchester High
Latievia Walker Marlon Cockett
"Humming Bird" "Jamaican Yellow snake"

Holy Trinity High School 5 Chandler's Pen Primary
Dwayne Virgo Bridgeony English
"My Giant Tody" "Jah- Mek- Yah"
"Jamaican Manatee"
(Small Bird With a Big Personality) 

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

Third Place  | My Giant Tody (Small Bird With a Big Personality) | Dwayne Virgo

L-R: Susan Garriques-Brown, Admin. & Financial Manager-
TJH handing gift certificates to Danovan Fairweather,
Teacher/Facilitator of Holy Trinity High School

Second Place  | Green Turtle | Giovanni Clarke

L-R: Giovanni Clarke of Holy Trinity High School receiving gift
certificates from Leleka Johnson, Librarian of Natural History

Museum of Jamaica

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 DESIGN MODEL CATEGORY
First Place  | "Iguana - Wound of Extinction" | Davian Green

 

L-R: Andrea Donaldson, Project Manager of the Projects Branch,
NEPA, handing Ansel Thompson of Holy Trinity High School
Design Model Plaque and first place trophy

7

PHOTOGRAPHY CATEGORY

33 ENTRIES IN TOTAL WERE RECEIVED FOR THE PHOTOGRAPHY CATEGORY, HERE ARE A FEW...

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 Immaculate Conception High School
Dandre` McKenzie Dandre` McKenzie Ariel Richards
"The Protector"
"Search my Heart oh God" "Humming Bird Nestled"

The Cedar Grove Academy The Cedar Grove Academy The Cedar Grove Academy
Dandre` McKenzie Vaughn Green JQuan Morrison

"What Do You See in Me" " The Growth of Beauty" "My Vulnerable Side"

Mount Alvernia High School The Cedar Grove Academy The Cedar Grove Academy
Denechaii Anglin Shawn -J Williams
Shawn -J Williams "Shades of Yellow"
"Appreciating Nature Beauty Through Lens"
"Orchida"

8

NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM OF JAMAICA | 10-16 EAST STREET, KINGSTON, JAMAICA | (876) 922-0620-6 | [email protected] | WWW.NHMJ-IOJ.ORG.JM/ FIRST AND SECOND RUNNERS UP OF THE PHOTOGRAPHY CATEGORY
Third Place  | Focus on the Beauty | Shawn-J Williams

L-R: Shawn- J Williams of The Cedar Grove Academy
receiving gift certificate from Kareem Fraser, Quality
Officer of Jamaica Infrastructure Operators

Second Place  | Jamaican Twig Anole | Michael Harrikissoon

L-R: Michael Harrikissoon of Bustamante High School
receiving trophy and certificate from Andrea Donaldson, Project

Mangaer of the Projects Branch, NEPA

9

NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM OF JAMAICA | 10-16 EAST STREET, KINGSTON, JAMAICA | (876) 922-0620-6 | [email protected] | WWW.NHMJ-IOJ.ORG.JM/ FIRST PLACE WINNER OF THE PHOTOGRAPHY CATEGORY
First Place  | Sleeping Beauty | Sherissa Pinnock

L:R- Sherissa Pinnock collecting her first place
certificate from Kareen Parks, NHMJ

10

LITERARY ARTS CATEGORY

"Literary Blurbs"

NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM OF JAMAICA | 10-16 EAST STREET, KINGSTON, JAMAICA | (876) 922-0620-6 | [email protected] | WWW.NHMJ-IOJ.ORG.JM/ A Message From Mama Jamaica  Response and Call Tawny Pattoo
"...Yuh si back in the days, I was the pearl "...Two little black birds sitting on "...Pretty Brown Owl, among the

inna mi family  a wall,  leaves hiding 
Cousin Cuba did jealous a mi, sister Haiti One named response and one You made me write this poem, that's

did favor Me,  named call,  really inspiring
Every time brother Bahamas see mi he She dances with grace   

kneel down to me.  as the winds fall,  Medium-sized and tawny coloured
All afta a sudden me loose all a mi For her wings only knew Really fluffy and heavily feathered..."

beauty..." freedom..." By: Akalia Rhone
By: Dijonay Davis By: Kaylia Ellington

Protecting Our Species Endemic Voices of our Species
"...In Jamaica, endemic species are over "...She doesn’t keep still "...Panic,
To allow little girls to touch, Misery,
twenty, Her gold and black wings
But serious threat now begins aplenty. That she’s powdered so much..." A dystopia
Fumes from farm, factories and cars,
By: Daneele Lunan They have taken it all from us:.."
Rises in the atmosphere and leaves
scars..." By: Rachelle Williams Chaos

By: Shadelle Brown

A World We Share The Family of Disasters Let Us Save Them (Poem) 

"...I watched with eyes wide open, "...When the extinction of Keystone "....Several activities that we do

all I could do was stare, organisms, We lose biodiversity due to forms

Since where I used to live, such Become the norm....... ecosystem collapse. of land use

nature and beauty were rare. When crops and grains become rare, We cut, we chop, we burn the

So I swallowed with my eyes this And hummingbirds become creatures of forests down,

scenery, which I held so dear..." legends..." Clearing the land to build up

By: Shyamaleeswari Dayanandan By: Ruth- Ann Cohen  towns..."

By: Javian Burke

Nuh Threaten Jamaica  I Should Apologise A Fairytale
“...If the bee disappeared off the "...Dear future, I don't think I had "...The crocodile, the hummingbird,
surface of the globe, then man would
only have four years of life left. No apologized, For how we have the iguana
more bees, no more pollen, no more brutalised and economised this Not the magical creatures that make
plants, no more animals, no more planet Earth. Since your birth, I
our culture fantastic
man” – Albert Einstein..." have felt guilty of my own Yet we forget their value and
By: Suekelia Rickette generation's choice to live
endanger them everyday
Once Upon A Time unacceptably filthy..." We destroy their homes and the life
"...Have we forgotten the times that Joviann Abegail Wilson
they had..."
were about them By: Natahlia Miller
The times when we were friends
When they were attacked, we would Crocs A Mother's Cry
"...Jamaica a home for "....I gave birth to each child
defend I carefully molded them to utmost
But now we ourselves have become Crocodiles.
But what can we do to make sublimity
the threats..." The wondrous earth you know is owing
By: Natahlia Miller them stay awhile?
Endangered they are but to my fertility
I used to admire my children, bursting
some don’t care.
They only see this creature with glee
Now tears wash my face, as they long to
and scream with fear..." 
By: Hailey Blake be free..."
By: Sherissa Pinnock
11

LITERARY ARTS CATEGORY

 The Praise of Doctor Birds Threatened  On Behalf of These
Threatened Species
"...I like to see new species of birds- "...Treasures a seen now but "....if they could speak and

to relish in that grand novelty when what might happen after; will address 
You rightfully, would you
one encounters a particular exotic we dig ourselves into total leave them alone? If they
could rebel against your
NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM OF JAMAICA | 10-16 EAST STREET, KINGSTON, JAMAICA | (876) 922-0620-6 | [email protected] | WWW.NHMJ-IOJ.ORG.JM/ specimen of ave for the first time. disaster? brutal Actions towards them,

That exhilarating moment when The Blue Mahoe is no longer would you leave them
alone?..."
one's interllect grapples to make found throughout the island,
sense of the strange life form before no longer abundant as with By: Tudi-Ann Givans
endemic trees commonly used
it- Oh, what a joy to meet yet Addressing Threats to Jamaica's
another member of this grand as a source of lumber..." Biodiversity
By: Britney Brown
family!..." "....An extinction of the world's plants and
animals is on the rise. It is estimated that 150-
By: Michael Harriksson Nature is Paradise
2-- plants and animals go extinct every 24
Where are They? "...People , people! Listen the breeze and hours; that is one organism every 8 minutes!

"...What has men done to these pree the signs of life, Please understand Endemism Of Islands:.."
By: Shemar Matthews
beautiful creatures; Soon to be that is only God almighty own the nation
My Dream
only fairy-tales are the cruel nuh, Take care of nature for me and yuh, "....They say all life is precious,

minds of these people Be thankful for the plants, animals and They say all life is unique,
But why is it, that as humans,
satisfied!..." also the land, Dont let the Lord send They stamp their counterparts

By: Mikhael Seepersaud messengers to us in order to with their feet?..."
By: Sheroli Campbell
understand!..."

 Poor Poor Manatee By: Queann Wallen
"...Poor poor manatee Protect Our Endemic Species

Poor poor manatee or Live Without Them

Mi seh di manatee is twelve feet long "....To all my Jamaicans if

It's semi-captive dung a Clarendon. you see a yellow snake Don't

This was done to help its population, run or haste, To get your

To save them from extinction. They filthy weapons, All your

are gentle, don't cause nuh riots, pieces of irons or any

Always quiet, shallow water giant..." chemicals. This is critical..."

By: Alexis Simpson By: Ashanna Rigg

Are We An Asset Or Are We Jamaican Parrots Jamaican Rat Bat
The Problem "....With their splendid wings, "....I see you come, I see you go, I
They fly elegantly in the wind,
"....There are special laws in Like an artist playing pleasingly hear you rattling and shaking
place as to which animal one with its points. The imperfect the leaves low, Reaping what
flashes blooms into a beautiful you didn't sow, Oh when I wake
is able to put down. Laws
which are followed by some portrait, placed on a wall, in the mornings, It's a mess
persons. On the other hand, Splattered with green and under the trees, Spoiled berries
there is always someone to yellow, Jamaican parrots they and marble floor of seeds, To
make me fall. oh gosh , you cant
take matters to the next are called..."
level...." By: Nackelia Jackson even eat!..."
By: Ajani Campbell
By: Tavvia Henry So That They Might Live
"....Mommy the Doctor Birds are an  Oh Manatee
Killing No More endangered species now, oh how I'll "...Oh manatee oh manatee,
"....The anger, The pain of miss their miniature, black heads on
seeing our species dying in theirs glossy emeralds green bodies when will it end?
vain, What's the cost if we and their unique, elongated tails They are doing the same thing
that form streamers, crossed like an to your under water friends, You
gain the world and the old-fashioned doctor's coattail..."
animals we lose? aren't just meals nor tourist
By: Daniel Bailey attraction, You deserve to roam
What a shame! They're
killed for play, This isn't a 12 free not waiting to be
captured..."
game!..."
By: Daniel Bailey By: Mark Sterling

3rd PLACE LITERARY ARTS CATEGORY

Third Place  | Killing No More!| Daniel Bailey

NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM OF JAMAICA | 10-16 EAST STREET, KINGSTON, JAMAICA | (876) 922-0620-6 | [email protected] | WWW.NHMJ-IOJ.ORG.JM/ The anger, the pain of seeing our species dying in vain, If they had tears I’m sure they would show.
What’s the cost if we gain the world and the animals we We have to guard their beautiful abode.
It must be instinct for us to build up, not
lose? destroy.
What a shame!
They’re killed for play, Is it really the lives and homes of the animals,
This isn’t a game! you take for a toy?
Thousands of innocent creatures gone and no one to blame.

No more hunting, no more killing Replant their habitat is destroyed,
Of Iguanas, Coneys or Yellow snakes, Rebuild them from the void.
And even tho’ meats of the crocs may be sweet
Don’t pollute their environment.
Please, why not let the procreate? It’s not only knives or gun destroys,
They are unique and special, Their protectors we must be! Garbage also puts their world to an end.
If we continue on this trend, God’s wrath he
Not the cold touch of a gun. 
Or the blade of a knife, outpours.
Or stones flung to hurt It’s best to protect them, my friend.
Kill no more I plead.
Let’s kill no more,
Their beautiful habitats diminished, destroyed, Or your children won't know, 
Makes sadness enters my heart, What it’s like to be a part of this unique island

We have to play out part in protecting God’s work of art. called home
Ban their hunting, that’s one solution. The diversity of our island’s animals

But really people don’t jump to this conclusion. It’s what us special from
They are destroyed for our gain. Other islands in the Caribbean
Save from extinction our rare jewels
Why don’t you understand you are causing them pain?
Their only place of comfort now in a gulf of smoke. Kill them no more!

L-R: Daniel Bailey of St Mary High School receiving her
gift voucher from Samantha Sinclair-Nelson,
Administrator, Jamaica Infrastructure Operators

13

NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM OF JAMAICA | 10-16 EAST STREET, KINGSTON, JAMAICA | (876) 922-0620-6 | [email protected] | WWW.NHMJ-IOJ.ORG.JM/ 2ND PLACE LITERARY ARTS CATEGORY

Second Place  | The Praise of Doctor Birds |  Michael Harrikissoon

I like to see new species of bird - to relish in that grand novelty when one encounters a particularly exotic specimen of ave for
the first time. That exhilarating moment when one's intellect grapples to make sense of the strange life form before it - Oh,
what a joy to meet yet another member of this grand family! To take in such a delightful creature with the eyes, which,

immediately - and fervently - scan the living work of art from crest to talons, panning this way and that, perusing every minute
detail of the organism's being. All in all, there is no other event comparable.

This wondrous experience is, in actuality, exceedingly rare in the population. Particularly among the youth of this generation,
who, as I have found, possess little, if any, genuine interest in the natural world. Man, in my opinion, has over the ages

gradually - but consistently - shifted to a rather artificial way of life. That is, the appeal in the world's flora and fauna - and
the preservation thereof - is being dangerously compromised by the technological-oriented pursuits of this age. The evolution
being most profound in the era following the Industrial Revolution in Britain, with the shift progressing at a now rapid, albeit
stupendous and alarming, rate. I have thus arrived at the conclusion that the natural world will soon be no more - or rather,
become a mere shell of its former self. I am unable to decide whether the former or latter is the more disturbing. It was this fact

that caused me on the sixth day of August to withdraw from all 

society and make my ascent into the dry limestone forest of the Portland Ridge, where I had one such euphoric experience.  
It is one of those peculiar events in life when one's baser feelings, the so called id overwhelms the rational human component of
the mind. When one develops an almost tangible desire to become one with nature - to be immersed in the unmolested earthly

embrace of her perfect beauty. I confess, it was this very urge - of her sole doing! - that had led me to behold him - Trochilus
polytmus; a red-billed streamer tail - the national bird of Jamaica!

As you undoubtedly have inferred by now, I hold a rather abnormal - almost embarrassing - fondness of birds of all genus and
feather. Understand me - not the domesticated varieties - barnyard fowls and the like are by no means attractive. Nevertheless,

I have seen a great deal of aves in my short lifetime. But alas, my innate aptitude for ornithology could not have prepared me
for such a sight! The specimen, a male Doctor bird - as the locals call them - was, in short,  like nothing I have seen before. He
wears the most elegant of suits, no doubt procured from a very reputable bird haberdashery. The shimmering green plumage of
his breast and belly alluded to that of royalty; the hue, and sheen of which, bore strong semblance to that of a scarabӕus. His

bill, a brilliant burnished red shade with the lesser end - from where he 

feeds - a sleek black of proper length and form.  The fellow's black crown and wings give only further compliment to the
remainder of an already attractive fuselage. But consider his tail feathers, or rather the two of them! - elongated and serrated,

like a pair of jet black knives. In the words of the great English essayist Charles Lamb, the demand on this vision would
assuredly arise to that of a tester when, in that once in a life time moment, the black pair intertwine in an iridescent dance of

two lovers.
Watch him as he hovers this way and that, to and fro - for this gentleman rarely remains at one flower for too long, as is the
nature of hummingbirds. I have good reason to suspect that this is also because of an inherent gracefulness, which would have
predisposed him to be humble and selfless in character, manifesting itself when he obliges himself - with no external coercion

whatsoever - to reserve a portion of nectar for some other thirsty creature who, by hap, may come across the flower in
question. The persistent hum of his industrious wings - which, in flight, are visible only as a kaleidoscopic blur - only add to

etherealness his appearance insinuates - the two harmonizing, intertwining to birth a synergistic output of a timeless and
delicate beauty. But so meek he is, how he sports his gleaming adornments without a trace of the uncalled-for grandiosity so
commonly observed in many a show bird - namely the flamboyant and foppish male peacock, who, enormously insecure of his
grounded state, adopts a prideful demeanor to compensate for this. This is grossly unlike the nature of our own Doctor Bird. I

reverence these regal birds - docile doctors - ornithological jewels of our own growth.

He must be protected. I am not ignorant that there are those whose livelihood relies entirely on the marketing of timber and
such rudimentary practices like producing charcoal via coal mounds. But what a sacrifice to the forest and its denizens! One can

readily foresee the imminent destruction of our island's renowned ecosystems upon recall of my earlier remark on the self-
evident mundane shift to a way of life where the appreciation of nature is on the political back burner. And I, as a proud

resident of this fair land have thus found myself obliged to compose this writing, a harangue you may think it, to warn the good
people of Jamaica. Wouldst thou suffer this zoological wonder an untimely demise at the ruthless hands of extinction - to

efface it from the face of the Earth, never to be seen again? To have this handsome rarity - endemic to the island - disappear
without trace like the Xenorith? To let such a particularly adapted organism perish - one as unique as our very culture - argues
a wild insensibility. I pray thee fellow country man, consider your actions wisely; refrain from the rampant hewing of wood, and

your unwarranted bipedal advance into the forest. These are not just the dwellings of 

our beloved Doctor bird, but of a profuse number of organisms - living entities like you and I. 
If one bears witness of the blatant and out of place evildoings of the alleged litter bug, you are, by the unspoken protocols of
life, compelled to promptly rebuke the villain. Furthermore, in the words of Proverbs 22:6, it is good to train up a child in the
way he should go, lest he grow old and depart from it. That is, it will be of incalculable value to raise the youth of today to be
nature conscious; to steer the generations of tomorrow to cultivate a society where the interest of man, flora and fauna are

truly equal. After all, we are the people of Jamaica, and the future of the biodiversity of our land depends on us!

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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/ 2ND PLACE LITERARY ARTS CATEGORY
Second Place  | The Praise of Doctor Birds |  Michael Harrikissoon

L-R: Michael Harrikissoon of Bustamante High School
receiving his gift voucher from Samantha Sinclair-

Nelson, Administrator, Jamaica Infrastructure Operators

15

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

First Place  | A World We Share |  Shyamaleeswari Dayanandan

I have stories to tell, of a world we shared,
Scuttling with life and green with nature’s flair.

Bird calls and pollen permeated the air.
My friends chased butterflies, hundreds would flutter once a year.

I watched them flee from honey bees, shrieking in fear.
I watched with eyes wide open, all I could do was stare,
Since where I used to live, such nature and beauty were rare.
So I swallowed with my eyes this scenery, which I held so dear.

I have stories to tell, of an island which had me ensnared.
Not only had I, for multitudes arrived to gawk at Jamaica’s flair.
We welcomed them, not noticing their footprints left without care;
Footprints of plastics, our seas swirled with oil and our reefs’ tears.
We cut our way through merry mighty mountains, destroying wildlife near,

To lay roads in what were homes, now left lifeless and bare.
Yet we question why the Iguanas disappeared.

So I swallowed with my eyes, people who chose to remain unaware.

I have stories to tell, of an ocean of crabs, coral and cray.
Dynamite fishing shattered the deep blue like painted glassware.
Dead fish floating, corals grey, the sea now pale, a silent despair.
We weep that the manatees can be counted, but disturb their lair,
Perhaps is it time to realize that sentient life is worth more than man’s career.

The tide sweeps metal and plastics away to rest on the seabed there:
A threat of suffocation posed by garbage everywhere.

So I swallowed with my eyes, a sight I hoped will not adhere.

I have stories to tell, of the animals for whom we cared:
Dogs and cats treated with food in their own dinnerware,
But as man turns greedy, endemic species suffer, caught in our warfare.
Our bees are missing, Yellow Boas to be found nowhere,
But behind glass windows, trapped in their captive nightmare.

For man’s judgement is clouded, we need to repair,
This world of chaos and broken branches which we have prepared.
So I swallow with my eyes, a view of fixing what has been impaired.

I have stories to tell, of a world we once shared,
Once scuttling with life and green with nature’s flair.

Bird calls and pollen still do permeate the air.
My friends have grown older, children chase the butterflies once a year.

I wish that there are honey bees to flee from in fear.
I watch with eyes wide open, all I can do is stare,

For where I live now, beauty and nature may soon become rare.

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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/ SPECIAL AWARDS
Certificates of Merits and Honourable Mention for students who

participated with outstanding and multiple entries

Michael Harrikissoon
Shemar Matthews
Natahlia Miller
Sherissa Pinnock

Certificates of Honorable
Mention

L-R: Kareen Parks, Assistant Education Outreach L-R: Kareen Parks, Assistant Education Outreach
Officer of NHMJ presenting certificates to Michael Officer of NHMJ presenting certificates to Shemar

Harrikissoon and Natahlia Miller Matthews and Sherissa Pinnock

Design Model

The Laughing Frog (Naah Laugh) - Jahuan Hall

Baby Croco - Ansel Thompson

"Jah- Mek- Yah" Jamaican Boa - Marlon Cockett
 

Chandler's Pen Primary School- Chantelle Simmonds

Photograph Literary Arts

Humming Birds Nestled in Otaheite Tree  Should Apologise -
Ariel Richards Joviann Abegail Wilson

17 Tawny Pattoo -
Akalia Rhone

Protecting Our Species –
Shadelle Brown

Endemic -
Daneele Lunan

Voices of our Species -
Rachelle Williams

Let Us Save Them -
Javian Burke

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
Damany Calder- President of Bird Life Jamaica/ Fauna Coordinator

National Environment and Planning Agency

President of Bird Life Jamaica/
Fauna Coordinator

National Environment and
Planning Agency, Damany Calder

shared with the students and
guests about Jamaica's rich
Biodiversity and how we can help

to protect it.
He further explained that each
species has a role to play in an

ecosystem but due to human
activities and self pleasure we fail
to see the importance of having a

rich Biodiversity.
Imagine a world without animals
and plants, what would it be like?

L-R: President of Bird Life Jamaica/ Fauna Coordinator

18 National Environment and Planning Agency, Damany Calder
receiving token from Deputy Director, Nicole Patrick-Shaw

SOME MORE HIGHLIGHTS OF THE 
EARTH DAY CEREMONY

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

Lime Swallowtail Butterfly Strawberry Guava

INVASIVE SPECIES 19
Listen up now, yu si weh happen

already--
Invasive species a invade wi city,

Invasive roach an invasive rat,
Breeding up nuff fi noh waa wi relax.

 
Flora & fauna plants and animal--
Nuff things living dangerously physical,
Like de pretty lion fish, cruel an swiff,

Other fish pickneys hard fi exist.
 

Invasive grass weh cow walk pass,
Invading mi yard, chop dem dung fass,

Invasive mosquitoes invasive flies,
A invade mi room like a fi dem
paradise.
 

Island biodiversity is a real thing.
Transportation of species a full up de

ring.
Lets minimise that, more severe law,
Fumigate ships before in mi harbour.

Lime swallowtail butterflies invasive fi
true--

Like de wild coffee dem weh people
naah brew,

Green mussel is a invasive problem
Invading,

coastal marine waters, lets stop them!

P  r  i s t i n  e   p  l a  c  e   w  e  h   p  u  r  e  a   n d    c l e  a  n  -  -       
Invasive specie  s  w   a  a   d  o  minate de
scene.

Invasive invaders stop dem in track--
Live clean, live proper, ina wi habitat.

Cleon “Ras JaJa” Golding, "Invasive Species"
Graphic Artist, Institute of Jamaica

©2019 Cleon Ras Ja Ja Golding, Institute of Jamaica

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  Mount Alvernia High School Clarendon College

St. Jago High

St. Mary High HSotl. yMaTrryinHiitgyh SHcihgohol Cedar Grove Academy

St. Andrew High York Castle High

Bustamante High Mount Alvernia High Seaforth High

20

HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE "PROTECTING OUR SPECIES" EXHIBITION

NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM OF JAMAICA | 10-16 EAST STREET, KINGSTON, JAMAICA | (876) 922-0620-6 | [email protected] | WWW.NHMJ-IOJ.ORG.JM/ NHMJ L-R: Andrea Donaldson, Project Manager of the Whats
EXHIBITION Projects Branch, NEPA, Tracy Commock, Inside?
Director, NHMJ and students of the
The Natural History This exhibition
Museum of Jamaica Independency Primary School stands as Damany includes the
officially launched Calder President of Bird Life Jamaica/ Fauna earth day
the Earth Day 2019 Coordinator entries from
thirteen
commemorative National Environment and Planning Agency cuts the schools. To
exhibition to the ribbon for the opening of the "Protecting Our make the
public on Tuesday, Species" Exhibition exhibition a
April 30, 2019 under bit more
the theme "Protecting
INTERESTING a
our Species" representative
selection from
Students of Moore's
Primary and Infant our national
collection of
School tour the
exhibition for the first specimens
were mounted
time
on the wall
Students of Independence City Damany Calder-President of and display
Primary School fascinated by Bird Life Jamaica/ Fauna cases. This
Coordinator showcases a
our extinct Petrel bird National Environment and
Planning Agency excitingly variety of
explains to the students animals and
some of our
about the various insects in
endemic
21 the Earth Day Exhibition plants such

as the
Portlandia
sp.,and Blakea

tinervia.

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
22

NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM OF JAMAICA | 10-16 EAST STREET, KINGSTON, JAMAICA | (876) 922-0620-6 | [email protected] | WWW.NHMJ-IOJ.ORG.JM/ EARTH DAY 2019 PARTNERS & SPONSORS

Thank you sponsors of the 2019
Earth Day event!

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 and also at the 
Chukka Foundation! . . . internships from 360 Recycle, Great gift packages, trophies by Hyltons
Limited, cash prizes from Highway 2000 East-West and Coconut Board, Gift certificates from Carlong Publishers

and scholarships 
to the well renowned art school in Jamaica: the Edna Manley College of Visual and Performing Arts!

23

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 2020 COMPETITION IS NOW OPEN!!!!

ARE YOU
READY FOR

2020 ?

Contact us for more details of the competition
Earth day 2020 SUBMISSIONS CLOSE ON February 24, 2020

24

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
September 30, 2019

Featured Articles:

Mr. Damany Calder, President of Bird-Life Jamaica
National Environment and Planning Agency

Ras JaJa : "Invasive Species"

Contributions from Student Entries of the
2019 Earth Day Competition

Editors & Graphic Designs:

Kareen Parks, Assistant Education Outreach Officer,
NHMJ

Eartha Cole, Education Outreach Officer, NHMJ

©2019, By: Natural History Museum of Jamaica 25