The Chamber of Commerce unveiled an environmental pledge to encourage businesses and individuals to do their part to preserve our natural resources and keep the environment healthy.
On Wednesday, at the Chamber’s monthly luncheon at the Wharf Restaurant, Chamber President Angelyn Hernandez also challenged the government to introduce laws with regard to environmental protection and to meet outstanding environmental commitments.
‘We must challenge our lawmakers to introduce legislation and measures which serve to encourage us and our businesses to bring more energy efficient and environmentally friendly products for our homes and businesses; to pass the National Conservation legislation, which has been sitting dormant for the pass decade; to amend legislation that will require that all developments are embracing green practices; to develop a sustainable management policy that will protect our natural resources and environment; and to introduce legislation generally which encourages the development and practice of alternate green energy resources and products, including monitoring the emissions from certain vehicles.’
Ms Hernandez encouraged businesses, organisations, schools and individuals to pledge their commitment to preserving and protecting the environment by reducing waste, recycling and conserving energy by introducing lifestyle changes.
Everyone who signs the Chamber’s pledge will be acknowledged in an environmental campaign and an environmental report card will be produced at the end of the year to measure the success of the pledge.
Speaking about the importance of the environment, Ms Hernandez said the recent Oscar winning documentary An Inconvenient Truth by US Vice President Al Gore is very ‘eye opening’ and encouraged all to see it.
Many chambers around the globe are now realising the environment capital of the community lies in the total value, availability and condition of its natural environment and resources, she said.
‘Communities and countries that ignore the importance of their environmental capitals may in the short-to-medium [term] prosper, but in the long term, struggle economically as their natural resources become depleted and investors, visitors and even residents elect to go elsewhere.’
She used Iceland as an example of a country that, by adopting rigorous environmental protection measures, now enjoys one of the highest per capita national average incomes in the world.
‘The United Kingdom and the Cayman Islands government are aware that the health and protection of our environment is tantamount to the future of our islands’ economy and of our people,’ she said.
In 2001 an environmental charter was drafted and signed by the UK and the Cayman Islands government. The charter lists 22 commitments: 11 for the UK and 11 for the Cayman Islands.
The Cayman Islands made several commitments, including:
Bringing together government departments and representatives of commerce and environmental and heritage organisations and the governors’ office to formulate a detailed strategy for action;
Ensuring that environmental considerations are integrated within the social and economic planning processes;
Ensuring environmental impact assessments are on the table before approving major projects;
Encouraging teaching in the schools to promote the value of the local environment.
However, more than five years have passed and minimal action has been taken by both sides.
‘It is the Chamber’s hope that placing the environment as one of our major priorities that we can cause action by the United Kingdom and Cayman Islands’ government to meet these commitments.’
She said everyone plays an important role in bringing about change.
‘I would like our Chamber members to start considering what role they can play in this challenge. It is not just unsightly and physical aspects of the issue – it is the health of our country and its citizens. It is ensuring we are culturing a holistic approach, preserving our resources and ensuring our environment is healthy. In so doing we can only reap the economic benefits.’
More than 15 businesses have signed the pledge and they include Foster’s Food Fair, Caribbean Utilities Co. Ltd., the Water Authority, Remax Cayman Islands, JLT Risk Solutions, The Security Centre, Bank of Austria, Barnes Bartending and Quin and Hampson.
The Chamber of Commerce Environmental Pledge is available from the Chamber Office or you can download it from the website www.chamber.ky. Select the items that you or your company wish to adopt and return the form to the Chamber of Commerce office.
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