JEMS Pauses to give recognition

Contributed by: Ancelma Morgan- Rose

Four years shy of a half century of existence, last Saturday, September 7, 2024, the JEMS Progressive Organisation held an award ceremony under the theme: ‘Nature’s Resilience: Our Commitment’, to acknowledge those persons who have contributed to its development and that of the wider communities over the past 46 years.

Awardees were categorised according to their status with JEMS . The first category was the young environmentalists, which includes the Owia Young Environmental Group that received certificates of membership. The internal and external groups were given Awards of Excellence. Among the recipients of these awards were past and present parliamentarians. Dr Andrew Simmons received a special award for his dedicated service to the organisation.

Simmons, an Environmentalist and head of JEMS, gave the opening remarks at the recognition function that was held at the Calliaqua Town Hall. Dr Simmons has gained international recognition for his role aimed at combating the vagaries of climate change, and his advocacy for the preservation of the natural environment. He is the author of several books on the environment. In his remarks, he spoke about how his work in JEMS has created the opportunities for personal growth and the sharing of knowledge gained in other parts of the world, the nurturing of the young people involved in environmental work, and the need for the revitalization of the National Youth Council where they can have an independent voice.

Dr Reynold Murray, who delivered the feature address, spoke of his work with JEMS over the years as an Environmental Researcher, and provided professional guidance to their work aimed at building resilience within the communities. He spoke about the global recognition of the work of JEMS, and the linkages which have been created as a result. The Environmental Scientist also highlighted the need for the building of a community-based climate change research centre. One such centre exists in Belize, and they have gained access to the Green Climate Funding.

JEMS, the acronym for Junction, Enhams, Mc Carthy and surrounding communities) from which the initial membership was drawn, began as a group of young enthusiasts aimed at sensitizing persons within the communities which surround the Kings Hill Forest Reserve about its environmental importance. This Reserve was established since 1791, and is the oldest in the Western Hemisphere.

Over the years the organisation has broadened its mandate and engaged in sustainable development projects with the participation of community members, and has forged links with regional and international entities. The organisation has its footprints in a range of projects aimed at improving the lives and livelihoods of the communities it serves, including enhancing the provision of potable water, roads, and recreational facilities, as well as investment in Early Childhood Education. The organization’s community-based programme model has been replicated beyond the shores of St Vincent and the Grenadines.

JEMS continues to be a strong advocate for climate change mitigation and adaption measures to be put in place to cushion the effects of this scourge, given the vulnerabilities of SVG, a small island developing nation. JEMS aims to continue to focus attention on youth development, student exchange programmes, and creating linkages within the Diaspora such as the JEMS for Home group in New York, that is headed by Carol Simmons.