Children parade through Basseterre to save planet
By Ryan Haas
Reporter-SKNVibes.com
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| Director of Physical Planning & Environment, Randolph Edmeade |
BASSETERRE, St. Kitts-OVER 300 primary school students paraded through the streets of Basseterre this morning under the theme of ‘CO2, Kick the Habit- Towards a Low Carbon Economy’ in honor of World Environment Month.
The parade was organized by the Department of Physical Planning and Environment as the climactic event of World Environment Month, which officially began on June 5th, World Environment Day.
A heavy downpour delayed the parade for about an hour, however organizers and students still gathered in their colored shirts which represented four different environmental issues related to carbon dioxide. These areas were climate change (orange), Ozone layer depletion (blue), land degradation (green) and biodiversity (purple).
As the students made their way down Church Street, through downtown, up Fort Street and onto Victoria Road to the former Basseterre Girls’ School building they carried placards and banners with environmental messages relative to their group, informing onlookers of the impact carbon dioxide has on the environment. ~~Adz:Right~~
Teshel Francis, Environmental Education Officer for the Department of Physical Planning and Environment said that she thought the event was quite successful in getting the message out, regardless of any delays Mother Nature may have caused.
“Some of the kids were really excited about the march. I heard the Cayon group even chanted their own song to go along with the theme,” said Francis.
“Our department has often targeted high schools, but never the primary school students. This is also the first time we’ve ever brought it out onto the streets. I am very pleased with our success and don’t be surprised if you see us out here again next year,” she added.
SKNVibes.com also spoke with the Director of Physical Planning & Environment, Randolph Edmeade who said he was “quite pleased with the turnout and enthusiasm of the children”.
“We all know that if you want to get meaningful change, the best place to start is with the children,” said the Director.
He took time to thank their sponsors at the St. Kitts Bottling Company and the Marriot whose “significant contributions” made the day’s event possible.
Edmeade also said he hoped the general public took notice of the parade, as it highlighted how crucial it is to practice sustainability and develop renewable energy in a world that continues to face problems related to carbon emission and the use of fossil fuels.
