The National Conservation Commission (NCC) is urging interested persons to register early for the 4th annual Arbor Day Expo, slated to be held in Queen’s Park on Saturday, September 25, from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Participants can do so by either registering online via the NCC’s website at www.nccbarbados.gov.bb?? or by visiting its Codrington, St. Michael, headquarters.
One of the highlights of National Arbor Day celebrations that the Expo seeks to promote, is the importance of trees, through practical or interactive demonstrations that highlight the myriad products and services derived from them.
The event will feature display booths from individuals, groups and organisations showcasing environmental products and services. Workshops will also be held during the day, focusing on areas including plant propagation and care, as well as the identification and eradication of pests and diseases that affect plants.
A massive plant sale will also run concurrently with the Expo, offering up to 20 per cent discounts on select plants.?? As customary, the NCC will also be donating a limited number of trees to the public for planting on Arbor Day, which is observed on September 22.
Representatives of schools, churches, community groups and service clubs are encouraged to contact the NCC, providing brief details of their proposed tree planting exercise as well as the number of trees required.
The set up of booths will commerce from as early as Friday September 24, until 8:00 a.m. on the morning of the Expo.?? All structures must be dismantled and removed by 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, September 26. The same holds for all materials, products or items used for the various displays.
All persons erecting booths must practise good stewardship of the environment, and all litter or refuse must be placed in the appropriate containers provided.?? The area must also be cleaned at the end of the Expo.
The NCC is therefore inviting government departments, non-governmental organisations, entrepreneurs with an interest in the environment, and those whose core business is the provision of products or services that are derivatives of trees, to participate as exhibitors.
For additional information, persons may contact Ricardo Marshall or Beverly White at the NCC at 425-1200/02, 425-1212 or via email at marshall-ncc@caribsurf.com or ncc@caribsurf.com. cgaskin@barbados.gov.bb