On Thursday, November 4, 2021, Arlene Lawrence, Director of Occupational Health and Safety led a tree-planting exercise at the Port Antonio Primary School as a part of the Agency's 'Month of Wellness' environmental outreach activity.
Acting Principal at the Port Antonio Primary, Daren Myles, lauded the Jamaica Customs Agency (JCA) team for undertaking the initiative at the Portland-based school.
The principal said the tree planting initiative is very timely and “it will inspire students to further engage in environmental awareness activities as the Government seek to strengthen interest among the younger generation about environmentally sustainable activities.”
Principal Myles added that the recent UN Climate Change Conference (COP26) serves as a reminder that “preserving the environment is very important and sensitizing the students about the importance of trees to our environment is a greater way to reduce our carbon footprint.”
For her part, Arlene Lawrence, reminded those in attendance that the tree-planting activity forms part of the Agency’s Month of Wellness which was held under the theme “BREATHE” (Believe, Rejuvenate, Exercise, Activate, Talent, Heart and Environment).
“Each October, the JCA tries to focus on employees’ health and wellbeing through various strategies that will increase their overall knowledge and awareness. A major part of this year’s theme is the environment, so this activity supports our commitment to the environment, while helping to beautify the space with the entire environmental benefits tree provide,” Lawrence said.
Thursday’s activity was the culmination of JCA’s Month of Wellness, which included spiritual seminars, health clinics, and various outreach activities.
