By: Curtis Morton
Charlestown-Nevis—Miss Isabel Byron who is affiliated with the Joan Robinson Memorial fund on Nevis, on Wednesday revealed that the environmentally conscious group will be collaborating with the Nevis Solid Waste Management Authority to host a Keep the Schools clean, contest.
She noted that the initiative is not new and pointed that kudos must be given to Ms Carlene Lawrence, the previous manager at the NSWMA who had coordinated the original idea some years ago, when the contest was won by the VOJN Primary School.
Ms Byron stated that the contest will be geared to all of the schools on the island and even though it is not mandatory, she is hoping that all of the primary and secondary schools, will choose to participate.
She opined that once the children get the idea of keeping their environment clean as a part of their psyche, then Nevis will only be the better for it in the future.
According to a letter sent to the Ministry of Education, seeking approval for the project, it was stated:
‘In light of the ever growing challenge of litter in our schools and in recognition of the government’s efforts to give schools a major renovation and face lift over the summer vacation, relaunching this initiative would be particularly timely as a way to start our school year 2015-2016.
According to Ms Byron, once the project is launched in September, the schools will be randomly monitored and inspected on a regular basis by officials from the two host organizations.
The schools with the most consistent record of cleanliness will receive prizes and a special prize will be given to the school adjudged to have the most beautiful grounds.
The project will run throughout the school year and the final judging and awards ceremony is scheduled for towards the end of the third term.
Manager at the NSWMA, Mr. Andrew Hendrickson, fully endorsed the project and indicated that his organization will be fully supportive of the initiative.
He urged the schools to get on board and be a part of the initiative and seek to assist in making Nevis and cleaner and healthier place.