PM: ‘Grave error’ to think civilisation can occur without nature
Holness calls for partnership, environmental action as Jamaica launches RE-LEAF Programme
Published:Thursday | March 26, 2026 | 12:07 AMAlbert Ferguson/Gleaner Writer
WESTERN BUREAU:
Prime Minister Dr Andrew Holness is urging Jamaicans to embrace environmental stewardship and resilience as the country embarks on the Restoration, Ecological Enhancement and Landscape Framework (RE-LEAF) National Programme, an initiative aimed at restoring forests devastated by Hurricane Melissa.
Speaking at the launch in Lowe River, Trelawny, yesterday, Holness recalled the destruction he witnessed immediately after the storm.
“A few hours after Hurricane Melissa struck, I hopped on a helicopter and I flew across the island, hugged the south coast and turned northwesterly to look at the damage caused by Hurricane Melissa,” Holness said. “There was a trail of destruction from where the storm hit, first at New Hope, going across the Cockpit Country and coming out in St James, across Trelawny and St Ann.”
Holness reflected on the stark transformation of the landscape.
“What struck me was that what was once a green landscape was stripped bare of every leaf of every tree. Even if the trunks were left standing, they were bare, and that is the description of the ferocity of the hurricane.”
The prime minister said the devastation underscored humanity’s dependence on nature.
“When I landed, a few days after, I saw the destruction of the forests upfront; huge trees snapped like twigs, and I thought to myself at the time, ‘Who am I to question the fury of nature?’ It is a part of the reality of our existence.”
Holness warned against the modern tendency to underestimate nature.
“It dawned on me that civilisation needs nature. The challenge that we have faced is that there is the belief that civilisation can occur without nature, that civilisation is a de-naturalising process, which is a grave error.”
He stressed that Jamaica must pursue development with sustainability at its core.
“We are heavy exploiters of nature, to the point sometimes where we forget that nature can be exhausted in some instances, and that we have to use nature with conservation in mind and sustainability.”
VITAL RESPONSE
Matthew Samuda, minister without portfolio in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation, said the RE-LEAF Programme is a vital response to worsening climate challenges.
“As you stare down the face of climatic challenges, which are indeed increasing the risk of biodiversity loss and increasing the length and severity of drought, this is a major tool,” Samuda said.
“This is your Government’s acceptance that nature-based solutions must form a part of our fightback against the triple planetary crisis.”
Samuda emphasised that the programme is a long-term national effort.
“This is the launch of the operational framework, but it is not a project that will be fulfilled today. We will start with the planting of 1,000 seedlings, but it will take all of us to achieve our goal.”
He noted that planting 300,000 trees within months will require broad public participation.
“This effort requires national unity, it requires unity of purpose, and to plant 300,000 trees in the time frame that we have set ourselves will require churches, service clubs, and our students.”
Between January and June, more than 300,000 seedlings are expected to be planted across forest reserves, mangroves, watersheds, private lands, and urban spaces. About 10 per cent will be fruit-bearing varieties, strengthening both environmental resilience and food security.
PROMISE OF RENEWAL
Governor General Sir Patrick Allen said the programme represents renewal and hope.
“The introduction of the Restoration, Ecological Enhancement, and Landscape Framework, together with the National Tree Planting Initiative, represents far more than a programme – it is a promise of renewal, resilience, and opportunity,” he said.
“Through the planting of trees, including fruit-bearing varieties, we are not only restoring what was lost, but also building a future that is stronger, more secure, and more sustainable.”
Sir Patrick urged communities to take ownership of the initiative.
“These trees will grow because you nurture them; their benefits will endure because you protect them. In doing so, you are investing not only in your environment, but in your children, your livelihoods, and your future.”