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Posing for a picture are the writers who contributed to the environmental anthology, Green Readings: Barbados – The First Five??Years, after??the first of two??Green Readings at the Richard??Haynes Boardwalk on Saturday. (Photo courtesy of Arts Etc. and June Stoute).

With the sound of the waves breaking against the Richard Haynes Boardwalk artistes gave their interpretation on what the environment means to them during the first Green Reading for Environment Month last Saturday.

The afternoon also marked the launch of the environmental anthology, Green Readings: Barbados – The First Five Years [2008 to 2012], by ArtsEtc, and represented a compilation of work presented by artistes over the last five years during the Green Readings.

Speaking after officially receiving a copy of the anthology, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of the Environment and Drainage, Gayle Francis-Vaughn described the environment and the world as works of art.

"We all carry a spark of creativity. We have a story to tell, a song to sing," she said, noting the difference was that some were braver than others to put their creativity into writing or into a song.

Mrs. Francis-Vaughn noted that she always admired people who wrote what was within them. "I dabble in art myself so I know how it feels," she said.

She added that the Green Readings were a wonderful way to share with the general public what was created from the soul and the mind.

Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of the Environment and Drainage, Sarah Brathwaite said all efforts were being made by the Ministry to promote a culture which gave careful consideration to Barbados’ natural surroundings.

"Over the years, our national policies, supported by global initiatives, have promoted a focus on the development of a green economy and on sustainable consumption and production.

"However, for any policy to be successful, the involvement of the entire country needed to be obtained," Ms. Brathwaite said.

??She added that the Ministry always sought to garner stakeholder involvement through groups such as ArtsEtc to promote and create an awareness of environmental issues.

Performances for the evening featured the band James Lovell & Friends, while Ian Bourne, Dana Gilkes, and Arnold Ward delivered pieces on their interpretation of the environment.

The second and final Green Reading for the month will take place on Saturday, June 23, at the Folkestone Park and Marine Reserve, Holetown, St. James, at 3:30 p.m.

julia.rawlins-bentham@barbados.gov.bb

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