ROADTOWN Tortola BVI, November 17th, 2011 – The National Parks Trust (NPT) of the Virgin Islands will kick off its golden celebrations with a week-long of activities from Sunday, November 20 to 27, under the theme, “50 Years of Conservation in the Virgin Islands”.
Minister for Natural Resources and Labour Honourable Dr. Kedrick Pickering, told the Department of Information and Public Relations that, “Fifty years is a significant milestone in the life of any organisation and this is an achievement that is worth recognizing in a grand way.”
“The Government of the Virgin Islands, in keeping with its commitment to preserve the natural heritage of these islands, will continue to support the NPT in their endeavours and I congratulate them in their efforts to preserve and conserve our natural treasures,” the minister expressed.
“I look forward with great anticipation to the week of celebratory activities and would like to encourage the community to support the board and their efforts,” Dr. Pickering added.
The week will open on Sunday, November 20 with a formal ceremony followed by the ninth Annual Flower Show at the J.R. O’Neal Botanic Gardens beginning at 12:30 pm. The festivities will continue on Wednesday, November 23 with the opening of the NPT Village at the Queen Elizabeth II National Park with various educational programmes, environmentally-aware exhibits from the public and private sector, music and entertainment.
Arbour Day will also be held at the Queen Elizabeth II National Park for the first time where students and the public will participate in planting trees at the park.
The celebration will culminate with a jazz and blues concert series featuring world-renowned nine-time Grammy-award winner singer and songwriter, Mr. John Legend and UB40’s lead singer, Mr. Ali Campbell on November 26 and 27.
Director of the National Parks Trust Mr. Joseph Smith Abbott said that, “The NPT is very excited about their 50th Anniversary Week, the village and its entertainment line-up and all funds raised during this celebration will go towards the Queen Elizabeth II National Park”.
The NPT anticipate the legacy of their celebrations with the rehabilitation and restoration of the Queen Elizabeth II National Park as they expect to make it one of the Territory’s premier green spaces and huge attraction for residents and visitors.
The Trust was established in 1961 by government as the agency responsible for the Territory’s parks. The NPT is mandated under the National Parks Act of 2006 with preserving the territory’s valuable natural resources while managing 21 national parks throughout the British Virgin Islands.
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British Virgin Islands News