Barbados’ relationship with South Africa and Mozambique was further affirmed on Monday with the planting of the African Tulip by Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley and former First Lady of Mozambique and South Africa, Dame Graça Machel, in the National Botanical Gardens.
The two officials were joined by Minister of Environment and National Beautification, Blue and Green Economy, Adrian Forde; Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office with responsibility for Culture, Senator Dr. Shantal Munroe-Knight; Dendrologist and Director of the National Botanical Gardens, Nigel Jones, and other officials.
Dame Graça, while speaking on the significance of tree planting, told Prime Minister Mottley: “As part of my tradition, where I come from, planting a tree is part of affirming yourself as a part of the land, of the soil. So, whether you like it or not I’m affirming myself here.”
Ms. Mottley acknowledged the sentiments and noted that the Botanical Gardens, located at Waterford, St. Michael, was conceptualised as a place where persons across the island could come, relax and reflect. While revealing plans for expansion beyond the Gardens and the new Geriatric Hospital, currently being constructed, she outlined that there was also interest in an International Botanical Gardens.
She added: “We will not only have this side, which is the local national Botanical Gardens, one which has multiple purposes, but we will also have the International one….”
PM Mottley noted the Garden was important for the island, and particularly for the parish of St. Michael, which has over 100,000 people, or more than a third of Barbados’ population.
Emphasising the importance of creating such spaces for people, she told Dame Graça: “We are going to invest because this country cannot do without architecture to support the creative sectors; so that will come, we’ve taken the decision. We’ve spent billions of dollars over the years on everything else, but the most we have is a theatre that holds 250 people. It can’t work, so, there will be an amphitheatre here.”
The Prime Minister further disclosed plans were in the works for an amphitheatre in Newton, Christ Church, and shared that work was ongoing to redevelop Queen’s Park.
“We are hoping to use this [in order] to change people’s psyche and people’s perception of themselves,” she told Dame Graça.
Environment Minister Adrian Forde, in welcoming Dame Graça to the National Botanical Gardens, stressed that one of its special features was its high resilience, and remarked: “It speaks to both our people and your people.”
Together, Prime Minister Mottley and Dame Graça turned the sod for the planting of the tree, following which, Dame Graça stated: “I have planted myself closer to you; so, part of my heart is here.”
The ceremony also saw the two officials unveiling a plaque by the tree to symbolise the occasion.