Plastic peril

THE EDITOR: Once again, I find myself making a heartfelt plea to the Government of Trinidad and Tobago to keep the funding for Plastikeep alive. Plastikeep has expanded over the years and has made a significant contribution to develop a culture of recycling in many schools, neighborhoods and communities. Unfortunately, this culture of recycling has never been a priority for any government in power.

As a teacher of Environmental Science and Chair of the Environmental Club at my school, I am happy to report the increasing levels of awareness on the need for recycling and care for the environment by our young generation. Teachers from many schools throughout the country, both in urban and rural communities, have worked towards educating young minds and developing an attitude of care towards the environment. Private institutions, NGO’s and local school competitions of various kinds have repeatedly used environmental topics to push their cause. Perhaps unknown to the wider population, our youth are becoming increasingly educated and passionate on environmental issues and many have taken up the mantle of being environmental stewards in their schools and communities.

How can we be expected as educators to mentor students into becoming responsible, global citizens when the practices they have developed over the years are being impacted by government decisions? Isn’t education a powerful and effective tool for taking societies forward? Why does our government not support these positive initiatives? Why is Plastikeep being given eviction notice when the Green Fund was created for existence of such programs? If the Green Fund receives a percentage of profits from companies in the private sector, are citizens supposed to believe that the Green Fund has no money? As an educator, I am making an impassioned appeal on behalf of fellow teachers, our young generation and wider communities for continued funding of this much needed initiative. This program is in urgent need of attention. If our elders are unwilling or unable to guide us to a greener and sustainable future, maybe we need to place our trust and hope in the nation’s young leaders.

Judy Sharpe via e-mail