By Kisean Joseph
The Department of Environment (DoE) is proposing a structured approach to reinvigorate the spirit of volunteerism, a new idea aimed at resurrecting the tradition of community volunteerism.
The push comes as part of a broader strategy to enhance environmental protection while strengthening community bonds.
“We’ve observed a concerning decline in volunteerism in our communities. In the past, our people would readily volunteer for church activities, school cleaning, and community projects. Today, these same services often require payment,” Chief Environment Officer Diann Black-Layne noted in a recent interview.
The initiative would seek to establish a structured programme that would recognize and incentivize various forms of community service, drawing inspiration from successful models in developed nations where volunteer work is valued in professional settings. The proposed system would acknowledge diverse forms of community engagement, from cultural activities to environmental conservation efforts.
“We could create a programme that recognizes various forms of community service – whether it’s youth participating in steelband, assisting church choirs, or engaging in community clean-up efforts,” Black-Layne explained.
She noted that government employees would be expected to take a leading role in these efforts, suggesting they could “adopt” local institutions such as schools, clinics, or communities to support.
The timing of this initiative coincides with the DoE’s recent reaccreditation by the Green Climate Fund, which has enhanced its capacity to implement environmental projects. This strengthened position is expected to facilitate more comprehensive community-based environmental programs in the coming year.
Black-Layne said that the scope of the initiative extends beyond traditional environmental concerns like waste management. Instead, it aims to foster a holistic approach to community development that mirrors the practices of previous generations.
“Our forebears, despite having limited resources, consistently contributed to their communities. We need to revive this spirit of giving back,” she stated.
The DoE’s vision for 2025 represents a strategic shift toward integrating environmental protection with community development. While specific projects are still awaiting Cabinet’s approval, the focus on rebuilding community engagement signals a return to grassroots approaches in environmental management.
“As we move forward, we’re not just focusing on environmental projects, but also on rebuilding the community spirit that has historically made our nation resilient,” Black-Layne concluded.
This dual focus on environmental protection and community strengthening suggests a new chapter in the country’s approach to environmental management.
