The Tribune

THREE high school students have each won $500 to launch projects to reduce plastic pollution in their schools following their participation in the Young Leaders Plastic Challenge.

The initiative, led by the Organization for Responsible Governance (ORG), seeks to empower Bahamian students to tackle environmental issues through creative, student-led projects.

The competition, which began in March and concluded with a final pitch event on August 9 at the Bahamas National Trust’s Retreat on Village Road, featured nine finalists presenting their plans to a panel of conservation experts. Trevan Fernander from St Augustine’s College, KeAnte Roker from Kingsway Academy, and Iyana Eaton from St John’s were awarded grants for their impactful projects.

Each student will receive $500 to implement their proposals, along with ongoing support and technical assistance from ORG. The projects range from school-wide recycling initiatives to campaigns designed to reduce single-use plastics.

Ariannah Wells, outreach manager at ORG, highlighted the significance of the challenge. “The Young Leaders Plastic Challenge is more than just a competition,” she said. “It’s about empowering students to take meaningful action in their communities. The creativity and passion shown by these young leaders have been truly inspiring.”

The challenge, funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and in collaboration with the Basel Convention Regional Centre for Training and Technology Transfer for the Caribbean (BCRC-Caribbean), is part of a broader effort to engage youth in environmental stewardship and address the management of chemicals and waste in Small Island Developing States.

Throughout the competition, ORG conducted educational sessions at schools across New Providence and the Family Islands, encouraging students to develop sustainable solutions for plastic pollution. The finalists’ projects were evaluated by a panel including youth climate ambassador Ashawnte Russell, 2024 Rhodes Scholar Jervon Sands, Dr Kristal Ambrose from the Bahamas Plastic Movement, and marine conservationist Lashanti Jupp.

Katherine Coleby, education officer at BNT, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to engage students in the challenge, noting its role in inspiring them to become agents of change.

ORG assistant director Steffon Grant praised the participants for their enthusiasm and innovation, stating: “By supporting these projects, we are not only helping to reduce plastic pollution but also fostering a culture of responsible governance and community involvement that will benefit The Bahamas for years to come.”