In celebration of Agriculture Month, on Saturday October 3, 2020, the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) launched its “Plant a Tree,” initiative. 

Members of the GCCI, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, went on a drive to plant fruit trees in several schools in Georgetown – Bishops’ High School, Queens College, David Rose Special Needs, St. Joseph High and North Georgetown Secondary. Fruit trees planted included mango, cherry, pear, gooseberry and cashew.

The GCCI by this initiative aims to bring greater awareness to the importance of plant life in balancing our ecosystem. Plants not only aid in reducing our carbon footprint through their carbon sequestration ability, but importantly also provide a home to many of nature’s animal species including birds and butterflies. 

It is important for our school children to understand that trees contribute to their environment by providing oxygen, improving air quality, moderate local climate by providing shade, regulate temperature extremes, conserve on water, preserve our soil, and support animal life. In the case of fruit trees, they provide fruits that can be consumed by their beneficiaries with many health benefits.

The pictures below depict the various schools trees were planted at over the past weekend.

BISHOPS’ HIGH SCHOOL

QUEEN’S COLLEGE

DAVID ROSE SPECIAL NEEDS SCHOOL

ST. JOSEPH HIGH SCHOOL

NORTH GEORGETOWN SECONDARY

The GCCI looks forward to the assistance of these schools in taking care of these plants to maturity. It is the intention of the GCCI to continue with this initiative at some other schools and other public spaces as it engages other stakeholders. The Chamber is also hopeful that it can convince every homeowner to plant a tree as collectively our efforts will reduce the impact of climate change and help to save Planet Earth for our children and future generations to come.