Earth Day Expo at Castleton

Scores of children, teachers and the general public gathered at the Castleton Botanical Gardens, in St. Mary, on May 4, to commemorate Earth Day, which was observed on April 22.

The event, dubbed the ‘10^th Annual Earth Day Expo’, was organized by the Public Gardens Division of the Ministry of Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries, under the theme: ‘Trees for the Earth: Let’s get Planting’.

Chief Technical Director in the Ministry, Dermon Spence, highlighted the various problems caused by abuse of the environment, especially to the agricultural sector, and issues to do with Climate Change.

He told the gathering that it is critical for persons to take on development with a “sustainable” approach, so that the environment is protected, while wealth is extracted.

“I challenge all of us to play our part in preserving the environment by caring for mother earth,” Mr. Spence said, while stressing the importance of planting trees at home.

The Chief Technical Director explained that a clean environment enhances the health of the population, particularly in the reduction of mosquito borne diseases, and persons must protect and preserve it.

“Clean up the environment by removing plastic bottles, plastic bags and garbage that are thrown around the place,” he urged.