Plant Comeback Planned

A National Tree Planting and Preservation Committee (NTPPC) will spearhead the restoration of the Islands' natural and cultivated landscape, which suffered severe damage during Hurricane Ivan.

Representatives from government departments, the private sector and other interest groups met recently to ascertain the committee's objectives. They also decided that the steering committee would consist of 16 members.

The committee will be comprised of representatives drawn from each of the following agencies or sectors: Government departments of Planning, Education, Environment, Environmental Health, H.M. Prisons and Government Information Services; the Cayman Islands National Trust; the Cayman Beautification Committee; the landscaping and nursery sub-sector; the service clubs; the Tourism Attraction Board or Department of Tourism; the Garden Club or Orchid Club; the National Roads Authority, the Chamber of Commerce.

The Department of Agriculture (DOA) has assigned two technical resource personnel -- Assistant Director Adrian Estwick and Plant Protection Officer Joan Steer -- to the steering committee. Chief Agricultural and Veterinary Officer Dr. Alfred Benjamin will chair the steering committee, fulfilling the role of advisor and facilitator.

"No one doubts the need of organized plant programmes to address the issue of restoration and preservation, and the NTPPC will therefore focus on measures that will ensure the continued preservation of the environment in which we exist, for all time," said Dr. Benjamin.

The committee will begin this task with an assessment of the quantitative and qualitative tree planting requirements for the Islands. It will also lend its full support to the National Trust's tree planting drive on Earth Day, Friday 22 April.

Other objectives of the committee will be the identification of key areas, such as public open spaces, schools, and government buildings that need immediate attention; the rehabilitation of mangrove areas; raising public awareness about the value of trees and vegetative cover to the quality of life; encouraging the retention and use of native trees and plants; and assisting with the development and implementation of projects through liasing with other similar interest groups, including the Cayman Beautification Committee, Garden Club, National Trust, and Botanic Park, to avoid any duplication of activities.

"There are many agencies and committees with plans and objectives that are in line with the mission of the NTPPC, and it is necessary to coordinate and direct these efforts if we want to get the most out of the available resources," commented Dr Benjamin.

A medium- to long-term sustainable development plan for replanting will also be prepared for presentation to the Ministry of HS A, A & Works with the view to have the committee's activities included in the annual budget. The NTPPC will further seek to encourage private sector businesses and Government-owned companies as well as other individuals to donate or commit resources to relevant projects that promote plant beautification of selected areas within the community.

"Trees and plants are among the islands' best endowments and are important as they provide food, fruit, and shade and protect our soils from erosion. They can even influence micro-climate, and play a vital role in the balance of nature," Dr Benjamin said. The Minister for Health Services, Agriculture, Aviation and Works, the Hon. Gilbert McLean, JP, said: "This initiative is of paramount importance to the people of the Cayman Islands as trees are not only vital to the environment but also to our physical and mental health," adding: Trees influence the composition of the air we breathe and also contribute to the beauty of the island, thus impacting the overall feeling of wellness of the population."