??
Permanent Secretary, Lionel Weekes (left), presents the TIMOTHY HOYTE AWARD, to Curtis Watson of Haynesville, St. James.
A ??Haynesville, St. James resident has been awarded the National Arbor Day’s Timothy Hoyte Award.
Curtis Watson, a self-professed lover of plants and gardening, was today presented with the award at an Arbor Day ceremony at the Charles F. Broome Primary School. It was conferred in recognition of his labour of love in transforming an area ??opposite his home, which was previously a gully and then a dumping ground, into a beautiful garden.
According to Beverly White, Secretary to the General Manager of the National Conservation Commission (NCC), "living practically opposite an area that was the target for illegal dumping, Mr. Watson decided to turn this eyesore into a site of beauty and tranquility that could be enjoyed not only by himself, but by residents within the community and visitors to the area."
Mr. Watson, who was pleased to have received the annual award, which recognises exemplary environmental stewardship by individuals or groups, debushed the site single-handedly and filled it with plants, which he purchased, as well as those?? otherwise acquired.
The garden now boasts myriad plants including: Pride of Barbados, Frangipani, Flamboyant, Bougainvillea, Allamanda, Lady in the Night and Golden, Royal and Fish Tail Palms, among others.
"The NCC salutes Mr. Watson for his industry and we commend him for the marvelous work he has done in preserving, and enhancing his environment. Therefore, we present him with the Timothy Hoyte Award in recognition of his tribute to nature and his role in protecting the environment," Ms. White said, while delivering the citation prior to the award presentation.
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of the Environment, Lionel Weekes, presented Mr. Watson with the award on behalf of Environment Minister, Dr. Denis Lowe, who was unavoidably absent. In receiving the award, Mr. Watson said he believed it was God who gave him the energy to work on the major project. He urged persons to visit the Haynesville area in order to "see his work."
During the ceremony, certificates of recognition were also presented to Dawn Pollard of the Optimist Club of Barbados, for her organisation’s work in adopting and planting some 300 trees along Browne’s Beach.
Tyrone Broomes, another resident of Haynesville, also received a certificate for transforming another former dumping site into a tranquil garden.
In recognition of the premium placed on the environment by staff and students of Charles F. Broome, NCC’s General Manager Keith Neblett, also presented the school’s Principal Hortence Carrington, with a collection of books and materials for the library.
The Arbor Day ceremony was postponed from last Wednesday, September 22, because of inclement weather. cgaskin@barbados.gov.bb