ROADTOWN Tortola BVI, July 21st, 2011 - The Conservation and Fisheries Department is proud to announce the formation of the Cane Garden Bay Environmental Action Committee of which they played a critical role, following two recent meetings that were held in the community.
The Conservation and Fisheries Department will now serve as an autonomous body for residents and stakeholders of Cane Garden Bay to positively engage in community-based solutions to address environmental issues in the Bay.The Committee will also serve as a point of contact for the Conservation and Fisheries Department and other government agencies willing to assist in the implementation of projects and programmes in the area.
Speaking to the importance of the Committee Mr. Bertrand Lettsome, Chief Conservation and Fisheries Officer said “People power is the only true democracy. I am very encouraged by the Cane Garden Bay Community taking ownership and being proactive in addressing their environmental issues.”
He added, “The environment belongs to everyone and we always accomplish more when we work together - government and the community - in co-management to achieve our goals. I congratulate the Cane Garden Bay Environmental Action Committee and it is my hope that other communities in the Territory will be encouraged to do likewise.”
The initial goals identified by Committee members are to enhance environmental protection and restoration in the Bay and to make Cane Garden Bay a model for beach and flood management. The Committee will also embrace and address a wide gamut of environmental issues, including flood and sedimentation control, beach and waste management and wetland conservation/restoration.
The president of the committee Kazemde Farrington said the Committee was formed to create opportunities for persons in the community to empower themselves in restoring and preserving our heritage and history.
“Our goal is not to be dependent on Government to address all our issues, but to be in a position that will allow us to address issues independently and partner with the various government agencies when needed” he explained.
Members of the Executive committee are President, Kazemde Farrington; Vice-president, José Decastro; Secretary, Lorna Dawson; Treasurer, Carol Hodge; Assistant to the Secretary and Treasurer, Harriet Rymer; Public Relations Officer, Claudia Hodge; and Project Managers, Kareem and Enriquito ‘Quito’ Rymer.
The next meeting of the Committee will be held on Monday 25 July at the Cane Garden Bay Community Centre. The wider community is invited to attend. Interested persons can contact Public Relations Officer Ms. Claudia Hodge at crhymer.hodge@yahoo.com or via telephone number 544-4350.
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The Environmental Action Committee will assist the Conservation and Fisheries Department in the sustainable management of the Cane Garden Bay environment.
British Virgin Islands News