St Thomas is to get its first green space to be created by Government’s Clean and Green Campaign.
Minister of Environment Adrian Forde, joined by St Thomas MP and Minister of People Empowerment and Elder Affairs Cynthia Forde, launched the project at Edgehill Terrace, where a play park and green space will be created.
Forde said for the past 30 years, Edgehill Terrace and its immediate environs have been awaiting a recreational space where children can play in a safe environment.
She said she was pleased to see that the space which has been designated for the recreational space, but yet left unused for many years, is finally being cleaned and utilized. In fact, she said residents who have been waiting for this moment have died before being able to see their dream become a reality.
She declared: “The people of St Thomas, we are simple people, but we know standards and I am sure that these bench tables and the benches and the other pieces of equipment and the plants that will be here, will play an integral part in helping our children to come and recognize what are chives, what are coconuts, what are almond trees, what is a paw-paw.
“There is a little 4H Club at Sharon Primary and there is one at Holy Innocents. Those little environmental clubs can come here, walk from the school as they did in my time, and play in a safe space, acknowledging that they are a part of the community.”
The Minister of People Empowerment, who extended gratitude to those who contributed to the project, commended fellow minister Forde for overseeing the Clean and Green initiative which she said has many benefits for society.
The St Thomas MP added: “And I want to say, nobody must come and take away a single bench or table from here. Even if I have to buy a camera and give it to one of the members of this household so we can be able to see the footage.
“I find that some people, all the good you do, whether it’s the Government or the private sector, come to say ‘I want it for my house or my yard’. It cannot work in Barbados. We are Barbadians and we are accustomed to living within the law and adhering to standards.”
Chairman of the St Thomas Parish Independence Committee Michael Grant said the committee had been working for a while to make the project a reality.
Grant, who said he has been living at Edgehill Terrace for almost eight years, said residents who have a good relationship will work together and pool their resources to keep the area green, clean and beautiful. (AH)
