Urban Development Commission hosting Garden Beautification competition

IN its ongoing efforts to enhance this country’s communities, the Urban Development Commission (UDC) is once again hosting its Garden Beautification Competition.

Speaking at the launch yesterday at the UDC’s Bridge Street office, Director Derek Alleyne highlighted that the competition was open to anyone assisted by the commission, whether it was through the provision of a home, a road or a loan, or as long as the individual lived in an urban tenantry.

The seven-month contest, themed ‘Greening Growing for all Generations’, will also include several workshops for the competitors on the best gardening techniques, especially during the time of drought.
Alleyne insisted that his department was focused on providing green spaces for Barbadians to walk, run and ride a little more.

Several sponsors are on board for the competition. The third prize will be a garden hamper from EZ Pave, the second prize will be two gardening vouchers from Carters General Stores and H&B Hardware, and the winner will receive a water tank installation and irrigation system, which will be installed by Samuel Jackman Prescod Polytechnic students.

In addition, the UDC will be marking this year’s Earth Day by undertaking a community outreach, with a donation of several ornamental and fruit trees to several schools, including St. Ambrose Primary, Bay Primary, Belmont Primary and Eagle Hall Primary, as well as a tour of Queen’s Park, led by dendrologist and Director of the National Botanical Gardens, Nigel Jones, with the Good Shepherd and St. Ambrose Primary schools.

Project Co-ordinator of that tour, Cheerie Ann Broomes, said young children would be educated as to the importance of protecting the environment, especially trees.

Earth Day will be held on April 22, and holds the theme ‘Trees for the Earth’. (JMB)