Several young people took part in this year's Summer Beautification Programme which was organized by the Department of Waste Management. Through his Eighth District Committee, Hon. Marlon Penn speaking on the areas of concentration for the project said in discussions with his Environmental and Beautification Committee, they saw it fit to transform the areas in the district that needed immediate attention.
Hon. Penn, who thanked all those who participated in the programme, said this resulted in the rejuvenation by means of painting of the East End Park and the collection of trash along the roadsides and between the mangroves in the vicinity of Little Mountain Estate on Beef Island.
Expanding on the importance of such an initiative, Penn said it is easy to hire professionals to beautify and maintain public places every time it seems unkempt; however, that does not address the growing disregard for environmental cleanliness by many of the youth and adults in communities.
"Our children must be held equally responsible for the betterment and upliftment of our communities. I believe by sharing this responsibility our children will grow to appreciate the environment and the community for which they reside and in turn be a force for change among their peers. This attitude will not be manifested after a few days of community activities but through a continuous approach in educating all on the benefits of preserving and up keeping our environment," Hon. Penn stated.
He added, "Additionally, by involving our children in more community projects we can aim to gradually change negative habits to practices that will foster environmental pride and sustainability."
He further stated that the work of forging a better today for a better tomorrow has just begun.
"There is much more to be done in ensuring that our communities today will continue to be a benefit for our children, and their children to come."
He expressed gratitude to the Health Minister, Hon. Ronnie Skelton and his team at the Department of Waste Management, Elite Beverage and Corea´s Cleaning and Maintenance Services for providing water and trash bags respectively.
He also thanked Mr. Theodore James and Ms. Messena Vanterpool for their work in liaising with the Department of Waste Management to coordinate the programme.
The participants in the community venture were Akinde Thomas, Carly Chalwell, Kvaughn Thomas, Malihi Barry, Devorn Varlack, Kimberly Cordes, Edvern Crooke, K´vawn Choucoutou, Kwabena Joseph and Tafari Frett.
a son, perhaps a brother.
A learner, a seeker
a future lover,
husband, father, teacher.
A vessel through which all our history flows.
A conduit to the future,
building on what he knows.
What will he share with the world one day?
A painting? A book? A business? Something bigger?
We... more
It bothers me when the young have to pick up after the old!!
The refusal of the "old" to bend and stretch, is the reason why many if not most in our community are "old" in stamina, mental faculties and just about every damn thing else!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!