Minister of the Environment, Dr. Denis Lowe, plants a tree as part of the activities to launch the 100th Anniversary of Queen’s Park.
Stop littering!
This is the strong appeal being sent to Barbadians by Minister of the Environment, Dr. Denis Lowe, in light of the move towards a green economy.
Speaking in observance of the 100th anniversary of Queen’s Park, which is one of the island’s oldest "green spaces", Minister Lowe warned that a basic respect for the environment went hand in hand with the concept of a nature-based economy.
"Creating a green economy means that Barbadian life becomes healthier and more practical and that green spaces become a permanent fixture across the landscape.??What we intend to do, is to ensure that people have a greater appreciation for the environment, and therefore, if I must plug anything, I must say that we must stop littering!" he stressed.
Taking issue with the pervasive practice, Minister Lowe charged: "There seems to be an insatiable desire among our citizenry to litter this wonderful and beautiful country. If we do not want Barbados to be beautiful only by name, it means that we have to take our responsibility seriously, and protect our roadways, our waterways and our gullies. Wherever human habitation may be, we have to seek to protect our environment," he underscored.
Dr. Lowe especially encouraged children to play their part in preserving the environment for their benefit, as well as that of future generations.
"I implore you – especially our children- to take care of your country. Because tomorrow’s generation will wonder why you were here if Barbados is left in a worse condition than the way you found it," he urged.
In terms of Queen’s Park, the Minister said the National Conservation Commission (NCC) was committed to ensuring that there were "tremendous improvements" in keeping with its bid to green Barbados.
Noting that a study had already been commissioned to examine the feasibility of restoring the "Trash House", which was located a "stone’s throw away from the Spartan Pavilion"; Minister Lowe said that the NCC was proposing to have the project completed in time for the annual Police Band Christmas Concert in December.
"Plans also include an initiative to promote a greener Barbados by provision of solar lighting in the park – and we intend in very short dispatch to introduce the first solar lights … beginning at the gates," he added.
Stressing that his Ministry was prepared to partner with the Ministry of Culture and Community Development to bring to life all aspects of Queen’s Park,?? Dr. Lowe concluded:??"There must come a time again when Barbadians of all walks of life??see this as a place of not??only relaxation, but for renewal."??
He also thanked NCC staff for the work they were doing to "make Queen’s Park an oasis of tranquility amidst the hustle and bustle of the City."