Scotiabank aiming for better and healthier SVG

Over 1,000 tree seedlings were donated by the Bank of Nova Scotia to the National Biodiversity Project, as World Biodiversity Day was observed last week.{{more}}

The seedlings were given to primary, secondary and tertiary institutions throughout St Vincent and the Grenadines, to be planted between June and September this year, as part of the global tree planting “Treelympics” initiative.

They were handed over to Tasheka Haynes, project coordinator of the biodiversity unit in the Ministry of Health, Wellness and the Environment, during a national biodiversity exhibition that took place at Heritage Square last week Thursday.

Scotiabank’s personal banking officer Grace Martin, in handing over the trees to the unit, said that her institution’s decision to be a part of the programme would not only make St Vincent and the Grenadines an eco-friendly state, but would also attract other positive benefits.

Martin said it was also up to every Vincentian to play their part in making the country and in extension the world, a better and healthier place to live.

“This creates an opportunity to focus on those things we can do to make the earth greener and healthier for us and for future generations. It reminds us that this planet and all its rich array of life forms are home to us all.

“For the sake of our children and the generations yet unborn, Scotiabank staff and management encourage each of you to be a part of the global effort to save planet earth; go out there today and plant trees and grass around your homes; tell your friends about protection of our natural resources… and adhere to hunting and fishing laws,” Martin added.

Haynes, in accepting the plants from Scotiabank, said that at that time, more than 80 schools were registered for the tree planting exercise, making this country among the top six countries to be registered for global tree planting exercise.

“This is remarkable. While we can’t win by the number of trees that we would plant per school, we would have a really good chance of winning by the number of schools participating in the initiative.

“I take the opportunity to thank our corporate citizen Scotiabank for coming on board… they said that this is something that they really want to get involved with.

“A simple task such as planting a tree helps to solve so many environmental ills and problems and we were really excited for the partnership.”

Haynes indicated that the bank would not only be involved in the Treelympics this year, but also would be spearheading the “Trees for Life” initiative, which will see the bank coming together with schools to plant trees every year.(JJ)