Minister of Agriculture, Hon. Saboto Caesar in his remarks noted the work the government has done in preserving and protecting the environment, highlighting the total ban on the capturing of turtles in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.
The minister took the opportunity to shed light on the medicinal cannabis and the prospects of a legitimate industry since there’s currently a Medicinal Cannabis Industry act and Cannabis amnesty Act.
The Agriculture and Forestry Minister pointed out that rehabilitative measures must be taken to restore significant portions of the forest and highlighted that aerial spraying will end in 2019; he also disclosed that St. Vincent and the Grenadines is leading the way in the banning of all glyphosate products.
Minister of Finance, Economic Planning and Sustainable Development, Hon. Camillo Gonsalves explained how the eco-systems here are under major threat because of Climate Change, he said it is important that persons recognize the need for action and acknowledge the role the SVG Conservation fund can play in protecting St. Vincent and the Grenadines.
Minister Gonsalves pointed out government’s position on promoting conservation efforts that have led to the ban on the importation of Styrofoam material, turtle hunting, sand mining and the limitation of certain whaling activities.
Minister Gonsalves also noted that plans are afoot to deal with the issues of “Grey Water” and single use plastic bags and the promotion of reef safe sunscreens.
He emphasized that advocacy and education are necessary now from the fund and like minded people.
The minister said conservation is not just a matter for the government and urged the business sector to become more pro-active on issues of environmental conservation.
Minister of Health, Wellness and the Environment, Hon. Luke Browne also addressed the launch of the SVGCF and stated that “health is a shared responsibility and equally conservation is a shared responsibility.”
Minister Browne commended the organisation for taking steps to access funding from the Caribbean Biodiversity Fund (CBF).
