Salutations

• Anthony McKenzie: Director of Environmental Management, Conservation Division, National Environmental and Protection Agency (NEPA)
• Ainsworth Carroll, Director, Planning, Projects, Monitoring, Evaluation and Research Division Policy and Projects, National Environmental and Protection Agency (NEPA)
• Distinguished partners of Ministries, Departments and Agencies 
• Members of the media

Good afternoon.

UNDP is pleased to join you here today to amplify the call for a clean and unpolluted environment as critical for public health and wellbeing. 

We believe that we can achieve this ambitious goal by systematically identifying and removing sources of pollution that threaten human health and the environment.  

Nearly a year ago, the United Nations resoundingly affirmed the significance of such a mission.
On 28 July 2022, the United Nations General Assembly took the unprecedented step to unanimously affirm a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment as a human right.

The Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) is one of several environmental conventions that gives Jamaica the opportunity to assert its leadership in this arena. 

By acceding to the Treaty in May 2004, the Government signalled its commitment to reducing the importation, stockpile and use of these POPs. 

In Jamaica, they are largely generated by power transformers, burning garbage, fire retardants and pesticides to name a few sources. 
These “forever chemicals”, as they are called, persist in the environment, passing from one species to the next through the food chain. POPs are linked to chronic illnesses, certain cancers, birth defects, and dysfunctions in immune and reproductive systems. 

That is why UNDP is pleased to partner with the National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA) on producing this user-friendly, age-appropriate colouring book as part of a comprehensive strategy to implement the Stockholm Convention in Jamaica and to educate the nation about the dangers of POPs.  

This illustrated activity and colouring book for children called ‘POPs and The Family’ is a welcome information resource to alert the nation about sources and dangers of POPs, and tips to avoid exposure.

I call on schools, community, youth and parental groups to join the mission to creatively educate the nation about these POPs. 

I encourage every parent to secure their own hard copy of ‘POPs and the Family’ and to engage your children on the important lessons therein.      

NEPA and UNDP have partnered to spread the message through other ‘STOP the POPs’ awareness raising campaigns including: a 60 Second Jingle aired on radio; a stakeholder video for social media; a Digital Youth Forum and POPs youth ambassador training.  

I am also pleased to report that under the Stockholm Convention project, we are succeeding in building the capacity of key stakeholders to reduce or eliminate their usage and stockpiles of POPs. These include:

• 25 key stakeholders who utilise Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCB’s) now have the capacity to manage the storage and stockpiles of PCBs.  
• 94 stakeholders from the public and private sectors now have the capacity to collect data required to produce a National Implementation Plan to advance reduction and elimination of POPs.  
• 74 Members of the Fire Brigade now have improved knowledge of Perfluorooctane Sulfonate (PFOS), a known POP in firefighting foam.

I commend NEPA for its leadership of this important project, and the Pesticide Control Authority, the Fire Brigade, the Jamaica Public Service Company (JPSCO) and other stakeholders for their commitment to eliminating these pollutants.

But I am reminded today that the task which remains ahead is not just for the few of us but for all.

I can assure you that UNDP remains your committed partner on this noble mission, consistent with the provisions of the Stockholm Convention and the priorities of Government. Together we will make a worthwhile contribution to the national efforts towards a safe, pollution free environment.