BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – FOR the first time in the 46-year history of Earth Week, the Federation has joined with over 193 countries worldwide in celebrating the occasion.
On Thursday, last, the 2016 Earth Week initiative was launched at the Eco-Park where it was announced that the Federation is “Going Green” and that the Ministry of Education had pledged its support to the Local Earth Week Committee in this venture as it seeks to make a difference towards a healthy, prosperous and sustainable future.
Coming out of the launch, it was said that the Earth Week Committee is on a mission to change the perception and behaviours through sustainable and concerted efforts with the Federation’s youth being the primary focus.
A number of activities are on the front burner in observation of this year’s Earth Day, which is globally celebrated on April 22 and features events that demonstrate and encourage action and support for environmental protection.
Among the activities organised by the Committee is an online petition, which is part of the worldwide initiative that would require 15,000 signatures from the Federation; and a trash to treasure project.
Yesterday (Apr. 16), spokesperson of the Earth Week Committee, Jonel Powell said the Federation is hosting a week of activities to celebrate the day, and as such one of the initiatives on stream was a two-day beach cleanup.
“This is the 46th year that it is being observed worldwide. It is basically a day on which people around the world recognise initiatives in environmental protection.”
Yesterday, the organizers and a number of volunteers started the campaign on three beaches in St. Kitts – South Friar’s Bay, Bay, Banana Bay and Pump Bay.
“We are hoping to do the largest clean-up campaign in the history of St. Kitts and Nevis,” Powell said.
He stated that today the campaign would move to Port Zante, Irish Town and Newtown.
Powell noted that the clean-up campaign is open to the general public and he is hoping that they would get as many persons as possible onboard.
“Persons who are interested can assemble at the meeting point, which is opposite the Sands Complex on the Newtown Bay Road.
Yesterday’s exercise saw a large quantity of waste being gather to be disposed of at the Conaree Dumpsite.
On Friday, last, members of the Earth Week Committee along with the Governor-General, His Excellency Sir Tapley Seaton, and a number of Government officials had planted trees at the airport roundabout in St. Kitts.
