I confess, I struggled to get ready for the Earth Day event this morning, because I knew - I was going to be hot. But then, when I arrived, I realised that most people there were hot - or quite possibly even hotter than me, since many of the men were wearing suits and ties. My gosh! Somehow, I felt that I shouldn’t complain. I sipped lukewarm water from a plastic bottle (to be recycled by co-sponsor, Recycling Partners of Jamaica). However, I still feel guilty that I forgot my reusable water bottle. But I needed that water, so badly!
After all, the Earth Day theme was “Planet vs. Plastics” this year. I wonder who is winning that battle. I think I know (but sometimes the tides of war can turn…)
The Natural History Museum of Jamaica was holding its annual Earth Day competition awards for schoolchildren. Creativity was at the forefront, and the participation was higher than last year, which was encouraging.
Tears flowed, on occasion. There was also laughter, some funny jokes, and loud shrieks from the students and teachers present, supporting their school. There were hugs. There was an impassioned (and very serious) performance by the members of an infant school, who did not hesitate to tell us about the perils of plastic, dub-wise style. A young man did some rapping, in the most composed and articulate manner. Nobody fainted.
All of this was punctuated by the regular popping of balloons, in our flag colours of black, gold and green… they could no longer endure the heat. Some of us felt like popping, too. Many of the speeches were given to the accompaniment of the piercing cry of peacocks and some raucous parrots; we were in the green, leafy gardens of the zoo. (And no, I am not fond of zoos, but our zoo does have a wonderful breeding programme for our critically endangered Jamaican Iguana, a big plus).
Happy Earth evening, everyone. Every day should be Earth Day, shouldn’t it.
Soo wonderful sis. Our present and future. Thank heavens we’re helping prepare them for what lies ahead. Bless you. Love your writing and perspective♥️