The Tribune

By RIEL MAJOR

ENVIRONMENT Minister Romauld Ferreira continued his ministry’s “Be a Hero” campaign yesterday at St Cecilia Primary School.

The school-based campaign aims to change the mindset of young Bahamians about the environment and to instill pride in their surroundings.

Mr Ferreira told the students Bahamians should keep the country clean for themselves, adding there should be no expectation for visitors to do this job or value The Bahamas more than its citizens.

He said: “St Cecilia is the 19th school (where this campaign has visited) and there is no limit as to what students can do. The important thing for them to do is to use their imagination, to truly understand that this Bahamas is their land and it is their responsibility to care for it.

“Cleaner spaces are safer spaces. Research has shown where there is a lack of respect for the environment, abandoned vehicles, dirt and debris, there is more anger and aggression.”

The minister has enlisted the support of athletes, entertainers, community leaders, stars and local celebrities who young people look up to in support of the campaign.

“When Shaunae Miller-Uibo or Jonquel Jones or Buddy Hield are telling them it’s cool to be clean and litter-free or to slam dunk the junk, these little kids identify with it. If they see a sign with Olympic track start Chris ‘Fireman’ Brown saying ‘Pick up the pace and clean up the place’, they can relate.

“It’s important to get the message of cleanliness and responsibility for surrounding across to these kids when they are young so it becomes a practice, a way of life.”

Mr Ferreira said once the campaign is completed in New Providence, the next phase would be to implement it in various schools in the Family Islands.