In Jamaica, the environment is always in the news

And often, not in a good way

My evening ritual is watching the evening news on my phone app. It struck me that many politicians do not seem to understand that “environmental issues” are not obscure, esoteric issues that do not affect Jamaicans.

Quite the reverse. We are our environment.

This evening’s news was no different. The lead story was the report of a Public Health Inspector that the waters of Dunn’s River Falls and Beach, and White River on the north coast, are contaminated with faecal coliform and total coliform, which both exceed the standards for recreational water bodies. Samples were taken at the mouth of the Dunn's River and the White River, so we don’t know what the levels are further upstream.

Report #2 was about dangerous jet skis in Montego Bay that are harming the environment (in a Marine Protected Area) with large waves and are a threat to swimmers.

#3 was an update on the sad case of wildlife trafficking, which I reported on yesterday. It appears that the young Ocelot is likely dead.

Another pressing problem at #4: solid waste management. Trash is piling up at unprecedented levels in one parish, prompting a stormy meeting of the local council, where calls for the resignation of the beleaguered head of the responsible government agency were made.

Environmental stories roughly follow this sequence of events, each time:

• In the first place, none of these issues are new. They are ongoing. They are long term. We all know this. It’s accepted. “Oh, this has been going on for years/decades…”

• They are brushed off or pushed on one side, over and over, by one political administration after another.

• Some might be solved with a “quick fix” and a statement by the Minister.

• When one of them becomes particularly worrisome and (inevitably) pops up again, with broadcasters calling politicians and government officials for interviews, they figure out a response to reassure the media and public that it’s not that bad. Quick! A press release!

• After the media focus has gone, one hears nothing more (unless a diligent reporter does a follow-up story, which they are getting better at).

• Rinse and repeat.

Let’s stop talking about “environmental issues.” Let’s just call it “human issues.”

And let’s try finding real, lasting solutions.

Tourists and locals love hanging out at Dunn’s River Falls, the most visited tourist attraction in Jamaica. Faecal coliform? Please say it ain’t so!