BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – THE Federation will join the rest of the world in marking Earth Day on April 22, and a local going-green advocate wants more citizens and residents to become conscious of and protective towards their environment.
This pronouncement was made by Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Tourism Carlene Henry-Morton, who is a member of the local committee that is planning activities for Earth Week, which runs from 15-22 April.
During the media launch on Wednesday (Feb. 24), Morton explained that since the birth of the initiative in 1970, Earth Day is used as a catalyst to involve people in creating meaningful change that is needed for a prosperous and sustainable future everyone.
She pointed out that the day is generally used to promote ecology and respect for the environment and all forms of life on earth, and as such she wants the public to get onboard and understand that Earth Day should be a daily routine.
“This morning activities officially signal that St. Kitts-Nevis is making the bold step in joining these illustrious communities...these communities that can influence dramatic change. In fact, in St. Kitts and Nevis we are on a mission to get our citizens to appreciate that really every day is Earth Day, not just one day or one week per year.”
The Permanent Secretary opined that individually and incrementally each citizen could make a meaningful difference in the going-green initiative by engaging in simple practice, such as switching off the lights or turn off the taps while brushing their teeth.
“We are on a mission to change perceptions and behaviours through sustained and concerted efforts. This has to be the legacy of our generation. We have to excite and engender that collective consciousness to advance a movement that places a priority on conservation, preservation and sustainability. This is the exact mission of Earth Week 2016 St. Kitts and Nevis will celebrate under the theme ‘We are going green’.”
A number of activities are usually carried out during Earth Day aimed at bringing awareness to saving the environment.
“Typical acts of service to celebrate mother earth include planting trees, picking up roadside and beach trash, conducting various programmes for recycling and conservation, using recyclable containers for snacks and lunches. And some people are encouraged to sign petitions to government calling for stronger and immediate actions to stop global warming and to reverse environmental destruction.”
PS Morton pointed out that the primary target for Earth Day is the young people in the Federation.
A week of activities are planned for the Federation’s leg of the Earth Day, according to Morton, who explained that the event is being managed by a local committee that aims to promote green practices in St. Kitts and Nevis.
Activities slated for Earth Week are: Climate Education; Landfill Tours; Trash to Treasure, where children will utilise trash to create artwork; Teacher Training in Hydroponics; Essay Competition for high schools; and a Kids Fair on April 22 to mark Earth Day.
