'You can make a difference' - Sustainable Development Symposium

WEDNESDAY, FEB. 22: You can make a difference. This was the message from several panelists at the Sustainable Development Symposium hosted by CedarBridge Academy’s Social Studies Department at the school on Monday February 20th, 2012.

Social Studies teachers, in conjunction with the Department of Sustainable Development, hosted the first in what is hoped to be an annual event to introduce students to local residents who are practicing the principles of sustainability and to broaden students’ understanding of sustainable development (SD).

Sustainable Development Officer at the Department of Sustainable Development Lynniece Nisbett-Garnett along with two students, DeAzha Chambers and Kjeld Conyers-Steede, facilitated the symposium and introduced the panelists to the more than 200 students who filled the Ruth Seaton James Auditorium.

Ms Nisbett-Garnett indicated from the outset that SD is not just about “going green” as some people may think.

She explained: “Social, economic and environmental matters make up the three pillars of SD. So striking a balance between all three in our decision-making is needed because they all influence the quality of our lives in Bermuda.”

Students then watched a 60 second Public Service Announcement (PSA), which helped to further explain the three pillars. Students were encouraged through the PSA to be a part of helping to maintain our quality of life here in Bermuda. To watch the PSA go to the Sustain Bermuda Facebook Page and look under ‘videos’ or go to www.vimeo.com/12875913

Ms Nisbett-Garnett emphasized the importance of making good decisions today because choices we make today influence what happens tomorrow.

Panelists at the symposium included Che Murray, Sharon Wilson, Chris Worboys and Gavin Smith.

Che Murray, a Statistical Officer with the Department of Statistics, spoke about the impact of education on earnings. From data collected in the 2010 Census of Population and Housing and other employment data, it was clear that obtaining a college degree increased one’s earning potential. Those with a Master’s degree on average earned three times more than those who did not have certification of some sort. His message to the students was simple: stay in school.

Representing Bermuda’s culture and heritage, artist Sharon Wilson shared some of her art with students and explained what motivated her to paint the “social commentary” that she does. She spoke about the importance of knowing why you do what you do as an artist – no matter the art form.  She encouraged the students to have a purpose in their expression.

Business Development Consultant for Bermuda Engineering Company Chris Worboys spoke about Bermuda’s susceptibility to oil price fluctuation – and of our need to be more self sufficient when it comes to our energy production. He referenced the recent decision of Iran to cut oil supply to Europe and how this has directly raised fuel prices in Bermuda. He went on to speak about our dependence on a non-renewable fuel source and indicated that the use of renewable sources of energy can reduce our energy bill substantially.

Gavin Smith, a founder of the Chewstick Foundation, spoke about the importance of young people finding their talents and using them to give back to the community. Using himself as an example, he encouraged the students to make good choices and to make a difference now, even while in secondary school. He implored them to think outside of the box and use their passions to bring positivity to Bermuda and the world.

Principal of CedarBridge Academy Kalmar Richards said in her closing remarks to students: “These are exciting times for our youth because you hold the opportunity to solve our problems. You hold within you the opportunity to sustain Bermuda. Students you must ask: What am I going to do? Mediocrity will not do it. Excellence, best efforts and creativity will.”

Ann Marie Lewis, Social Studies teacher and organizer said: “This initiative far surpassed our expectations. We accomplished our aim of this symposium to partially fulfill objectives of the Citizenship and Human Geography curriculum which focus on Sustainable Development.  Students were introduced to individuals who are responsible for sustainable development in Bermuda and persuaded to consider the role young people can play in sustainable development.”

For more on sustainability and issues relevant to Bermuda go to the Sustainable Development Website at www.sdbermuda.bm or like them on their Facebook page ‘Sustain Bermuda’. Alternatively you can email the Sustainable Development Department at [email protected]