Rotary Club St Vincent creating a greener environment

A collaborative effort by the Rotary Club of St. Vincent and the Forestry Department should see a blooming orchard grove in the next two and a half years.{{more}}

On Thursday, February 16, members of the service club along with forestry officials planted more than 22 fruit trees on half acre of crown land at the Orange Hill Estate.

The groups, assisted by members of the Rotaract Club, planted a variety of citrus trees, sour sop, sugar apple, breadnut, breadfruit, cashew, plum rose and five finger plants, which, according to Rotary President Dr. Ken Ono, is part of the club’s regional policy.

“We have a mandate from our district to plant at least ten trees… and as you know, we want to protect the environment. This is something very crucial; we don’t think about this now, but our children, they are going to benefit from it.”

“We want to thank the Forestry Department for creating this social partnership with us and look forward to further engagement with them as we seek to do our part in creating a greener environment.

Cornelius Richards, supervisor in the Forestry Department, commended the club for initiating the project, and called on other groups to follow the example of the club in its drive towards environment protection.

“We have for many years have been striving to improve our corporate image and to encourage agencies, organizations to become involved in social partnerships and projects that can benefit St. Vincent and the Grenadines… and we consider it a very bold step and a very worthwhile venture, and we are encouraging other such organizations to come on board with the Forestry Department and to assist in partnership programs that can lift our country out of poverty, environmental degradation and to a more sustained way of life.”

All involved indicated that they were looking forward to the first harvest of the grove, which they say may be used for a number of community based purposes.

The Rotary Club International will celebrate its 107th year in 2012; with the local branch going into its 41st year.

The Club’s theme is ‘Reach Within to Embrace Humanity.’(JJ)