The Ministry of Agriculture was out in full numbers. Among the things they promoted was the use of banana suckers to plant seedlings. Photo: VINO

The three contestants for the first ever Miss Earth Pageant in the Virgin Islands were among the many who participated in this year's Parade for the Planet. Photo: VINO

A section of the parade included a number of school children. Photo: VINO

Road Town Wholesale was one of the private sector companies that participated in the parade and announced that it has managed to reduce the number of plastic bag sale by 63% since the commencement of its programme to save the environment through the elimination of plastic bag usage. Photo: VINO

BVI Tourist Board staff were out in their numbers with several messages including that encouraging persons to reduce food waste by taking left over food for lunch. Photo: VINO

Leading the way is Acting Chief Conservation and Fisheries Officer Mr Kelvin Penn, who was pleased with the turnout and had expressed his gratitude while giving the vote of thanks. Photo: VINO

Students from the Elmore Stoutt High School's Environmental Club were also present depicting compost. Photo: VINO

"We also have a new recycle bin that we are trying to put in place to get separation with glass and cans from the regular mainstream waste that we are kicking off pretty soon in Virgin Gorda." This was announced by the Department following the parade as each entity was given the opportunity to speak about what they were promoting during the parade.

The Department also said it will be adding a face-lift to the Road Town area with newly designed litter bins. This is in response to public outcries about the unsightly conditions of existing bins. "I know a lot of people have been complaining about how ugly the litter bins look so we are trying to get that done to increase our popularity with tourist and the beauty of Road Town."

Unveiling more plans, residents heard of a transfer site that will soon be installed at Jost Van Dyke. The site will be designed to eliminate open air burning, flies and mosquitoes that are associated with burning garbage in the open system. "So we'll be bringing the garbage and bottles from Jost Van Dyke over here (Tortola)." The Department also hopes to eventually have a similar programme up and running in Anegada in the very near future. 

Road Town Wholesale was one of the private sector companies that participated in the parade and announced that it has managed to reduce plastic bag sales by 63% since the commencement of its programme to save the environment through the elimination of plastic bag usage. It also announced its continued support for local farming as it displayed a long list of local farmers from whom supplies are purchased from.

Students from the Elmore Stoutt High School's Environmental Club were also present depicting compost. There were also a few other schools that participated in the parade.

The Parade for the Planet in the Virgin Islands has seen yet another year of outstanding support and participation from the various private and government sectors across the Territory.

The parade, which moved through the heart of Road Town- from the Festival Village Grounds to the Sir Olva Georges Plaza, saw various entities and departments marching for the cause to increase awareness and inspire change for a greener Virgin Islands.

The theme this year focuses on the reduction of food waste, energy and water use; 'Think. Eat. Save. Reduce Your Foodprints.' This was supported with slogans carried by participants of the parade, which included, 'Bring left overs for Lunch, Compost Reuse Fruits, Vegetable Peels' as promoted by the BVI Tourist Board.

Other slogans included: Cater for the size of your party; Remember healthy employees make healthy organisations; When shopping buy only what you need; and Love food hate waste.

The parade was deem as very successful by Environmental Education Officer of Conservation and Fisheries Ms Cynara M.L.Duncan who noted that this is the 20th year that the Territory has been observing Environment Month. "Although it’s been 20 years its remarkable that the activities continue to get this kind of good support," she said.

It was obvious that the parade did capture the attention of hundreds along the route as persons lined the pavement cheering while some followed, others joined in and even grabbed a placard to further signal their support.