BRANCHES from a bombacaceae tree hang in front of the Jamaica Environment Trust’s (JET) new home located at 11 Waterloo Road in Kingston. Prince Philip, The Duke of Edinburgh, opened it last month while he was on a three-day visit to the island.

Dubbed ‘Earth House’, the building will, according to JET’s programme director, Carlette Falloon, serve as the environment agency’s “multi-purpose centre”.

“The space we now have will definitely help us to do projects we have had in mind for a long time. There will be meeting space for teacher training workshops, JET meetings, a library, research and display areas and activities by JET’s youth arm, the Student Environment Network.

She also indicated that the trust will be developing a project called “EarthKids” for children under 12 years, to involve them in age-suitable activities.

At present, JET’s major sponsors are the Environmental Foundation of Jamaica; Jamaica Energy Partners; the Petroleum Corporation of Jamaica; Manufacturers Sigma Merchant Bank Limited and Versair In-Flite Services. Additionally, assistance is received from many local businesses.

The mission of JET is to increase environmental awareness and action in Jamaica through comprehensive education and advocacy programmes in order to ensure sustainable management of Jamaica’s natural and human resources.