The Hon. Vaughn Miller, Minister of the Environment and Natural Resources, underscored to R.M. Bailey Senior High School students the importance of making informed decisions that benefit the environment. 

“You are the next generation of leaders, and your actions will significantly impact the quality of life for yourselves and future generations,” Minister Miller told the students during a special assembly Friday, April 21, 2023.

In celebration of Earth Day (April 22nd) Minister Miller and Rhianna Neely-Murphy, Director, Department of Environmental Planning and Protection assisted by Agriculture students, planted two Yellow Elder trees on the school’s campus.

Minister Miller remarked that climate change, deforestation and pollution are significant environmental challenges that The Bahamas faces and must address.

“The good news is that we can make a significant difference by taking individual and collective action,” said Minister Miller. “We can reduce our carbon footprint by utilizing public transportation, biking, or walking instead of driving. We can also minimize the amount of plastic we use by using reusable bags and water bottles.

Additionally, we can recycle and reduce waste, and we can also advocate for environmentally friendly policies.”

He told the students that The Bahamas has been the “voice of reason” globally on the impact of climate change on Small Island Developing countries for a long time.

“As global temperatures rise, so does the sea level around us, making life more difficult for life on land and in the water.

“When we litter and pollute the environment, it makes it harder to provide those critical ecosystem services that it’s designed to provide.

“If you see something, say something.

“Do not sit by and allow neighbours and friends to destroy our forests, beaches and mangroves,” he said.