JEMS calls for Urgent Action to end Plastic Pollution

The JEMS Environmental Management Service Organization is raising its voice alongside millions worldwide under the powerful theme “End Plastic Pollution” as it paused specifically earlier this week to observe World Environment Day.

As an organization rooted in climate action, sustainable development, and community upliftment, JEMS renewed its call for collective responsibility to protect planet earth starting with eliminating plastic waste.

Plastic pollution remains one of the greatest threats to our environment, marine life, and human health in St. Vincent and across the Caribbean, the Enhams-headquartered organisation said in a release.

“Plastic bottles, bags, and micro plastics choke our coastlines, clog our rivers, and pollute our ecosystems.” JEMS said this year, it is mobilizing its networks across 32 communities in St Vincent and the Grenadines to take action, advocate, and educate on reducing plastic dependency.

“Ending plastic pollution is not just an environmental goal it is a matter of justice, livelihood, and legacy,” Dr Andrew Simmons, climatologist and environmentalist, Director of JEMS is quoted in the release as stating.

“For us, the fight against plastic waste is directly connected to our mission of alleviating poverty, creating sustainable jobs, and ensuring that every child grows up in a clean, safe, and educated environment.”

In keeping with its mandate, JEMS said it is launching a series of community-based clean-ups, school outreach programmes, and eco-crafts training workshops turning plastic waste into economic opportunity for youths and women. These efforts are designed to foster a ‘green’ mindset, build entrepreneurial skills, and strengthen climate resilience.

JEMS has put out a call to government agencies, businesses, schools, and individuals to: Phase out single-use plastics; support local alternatives and eco-enterprises; educate young people on sustainable practices; and participate in community clean-up and recycling drives.

It noted that World Environment Day celebrated on June, 5, is more than a global observance “it’s a call to act, protect, and preserve”.

“The time to end plastic pollution is now. Together, we can create a future where every Vincentian thrives in harmony with nature.”

World Environment Day, celebrated on June, 5, across the globe is intended to encourage awareness and action for the protection of the environment. The theme this year was: BeatPlasticPollution, with such slogans as ‘Nurture Nature, Nurture Life’; ‘Green Earth- Our Responsibility’; ‘Save Trees,Save Tomorrow’; and ‘Think Green, Live Clean”.