SIV beautifies Independence Square

Basseterre, St. Kitts - Small Islands Voice (SIV), in collaboration with the Department of the Environment, has added to the beauty of Basseterre by planting two traveller's palms at the southern and northern ends of Independence Square.

The tree planting ceremony took place during the period that has been designated by the Department of Environment as 'Greening week'.

Described as an extension of Arbour Day, the week provides an opportunity to encourage and invite private citizens to participate in, not only tree planting, but the overall maintenance of plants that carry out critical functions in the environment.

During his remarks, the Chief Conservation Officer, Randolph Edmeade said among many other purposes, plants give off oxygen, which is necessary for human survival, as well as provide shade and create a relaxing atmosphere.

He noted the replanting of trees lost in hurricanes was an ongoing initiative of his department. This, he said, was particularly important to undertake in the Basseterre area.

SIV representative, Alicia Daniel Blake, explained the UNESCO sponsored initiative had joined with the Department of Environment in the exercise because one key role of SIV pertains to the environment.

It invites the general public to 'Give a Voice' to issues, not just pertaining to the physical environment, but also issues of the social environment ranging from the increase in violence to the distribution of condoms in schools. The other area of focus for SIV is development.

She invited the general public to make use of the Internet Centre available at the Ministry of Education on weekdays from 4-6 pm and on Saturdays from 10 am to 1 pm.

Via internet, small island residents in the Caribbean, the Indian Ocean and the Pacific can exchange ideas on unique cultural traits, as well as come together on common issues pertaining to the environment and development.

The symbolic planting of a palm tree was undertaken by SIV National Coordinator Dauna Manchester, Parks and Beaches Unit Coordinator Daniel Henry and Elvis 'Tiger' Payne, who has propagation duties in the Department of the Environment.

Small Islands Voice received six traveller palms at a discounted cost from the Lions Club through Eustace Caines. They were donated by Martin Lowell of Ottley's Plantation. The remaining four palms will be placed in designated sites in the near future. The Department of the Environment also planted two palms to replace those lost in hurricanes.

St. Kitts and Nevis Sun, 1st December 2003