Conference

2020 National Black Members' Conference

Date

18 September 2019

Decision

Carried as Amended

Conference we should all now be aware of how our environments are changing. Therefore, the impact Mining in the Cockpit Country Jamaica should be of great concern to all and not just Jamaican people or those who have relatives there. The mining of land in

this area can be likened to the Amazon Rainforest. The Cockpit Country has been identified as the largest remaining natural forest in Jamaica. The Cockpit region produces many of Jamaica�s medicinal plants, it is also home to endemic Bird Species. In addition to

this the Cockpit land is the most bio diverse land in Jamaica as a result it has plants only found in Jamaica. Why would anyone want to destroy such an environment?

The Maroon territories in Jamaica have a rich history and culture. It is said that the physical properties of the Cockpit country was formed over millions of years are a priceless ecological treasure which modify Jamaica’s climate. It is a great soil source – some say second best in the world – supplies 40 per cent or more of the water supply for Western Jamaica and the Black River and morass, Great River, Martha Brae, Rio Grande, Appleton Estate water supply and exports totalling over US$10 million of yams in a year.

Several areas of Jamaica have already suffered from the decimation of their land from mining, Parishes such St Elizabeth, St Ann and Manchester have suffered. Many people have been displaced, graves lost as they have been destroyed, villages our ancestors once lived in lost forever, wiped off the map. Whilst the politicians continue to sign deals with foreign investors, who do not care about the Jamaican environment and its people.

Jamaicans are now trying to fight back to halt the decimation of their beautiful island, they need our support.

Conference, Jamaica is already beginning to suffer from the impact of Global Change.

The Jamaica Gleaner reports that Jamaica is one of the high-risk countries that may suffer greatly from climate change, decreasing its potential food supply and water resources.

Jamaica is often referred to as the Land of Food and Water this may change if the mining is not halted.

This motion calls on the National Black Members Committee to:

1)Produce an article in Black Action magazine to highlight the issue and the possible consequences to the environment.

2)Consider ways in which they can engage in collaborative work with the Jamaican and Caribbean Diaspora groups to highlight the plight of how mining is destroying their countries.

3)Work with UNISON�s International Committee to explore some joint work with the Jamaica Environmental Trust (JET) and unions in Jamaica and the Caribbean which have the environment as one of their key issues.

Conference

2020 National Black Members' Conference

Date

18 September 2019

Decision

Carried as Amended

Conference we should all now be aware of how our environments are changing. Therefore, the impact Mining in the Cockpit Country Jamaica should be of great concern to all and not just Jamaican people or those who have relatives there. The mining of land in

this area can be likened to the Amazon Rainforest. The Cockpit Country has been identified as the largest remaining natural forest in Jamaica. The Cockpit region produces many of Jamaica�s medicinal plants, it is also home to endemic Bird Species. In addition to

this the Cockpit land is the most bio diverse land in Jamaica as a result it has plants only found in Jamaica. Why would anyone want to destroy such an environment?

The Maroon territories in Jamaica have a rich history and culture. It is said that the physical properties of the Cockpit country was formed over millions of years are a priceless ecological treasure which modify Jamaica’s climate. It is a great soil source – some say second best in the world – supplies 40 per cent or more of the water supply for Western Jamaica and the Black River and morass, Great River, Martha Brae, Rio Grande, Appleton Estate water supply and exports totalling over US$10 million of yams in a year.

Several areas of Jamaica have already suffered from the decimation of their land from mining, Parishes such St Elizabeth, St Ann and Manchester have suffered. Many people have been displaced, graves lost as they have been destroyed, villages our ancestors once lived in lost forever, wiped off the map. Whilst the politicians continue to sign deals with foreign investors, who do not care about the Jamaican environment and its people.

Jamaicans are now trying to fight back to halt the decimation of their beautiful island, they need our support.

Conference, Jamaica is already beginning to suffer from the impact of Global Change.

The Jamaica Gleaner reports that Jamaica is one of the high-risk countries that may suffer greatly from climate change, decreasing its potential food supply and water resources.

Jamaica is often referred to as the Land of Food and Water this may change if the mining is not halted.

This motion calls on the National Black Members Committee to:

1)Produce an article in Black Action magazine to highlight the issue and the possible consequences to the environment.

2)Consider ways in which they can engage in collaborative work with the Jamaican and Caribbean Diaspora groups to highlight the plight of how mining is destroying their countries.

3)Work with UNISON�s International Committee to explore some joint work with the Jamaica Environmental Trust (JET) and unions in Jamaica and the Caribbean which have the environment as one of their key issues.