Her Excellency, Governor General of Antigua & Barbuda, Dame Louise Lake Tack decided to celebrate her birthday on Monday by planting trees in Body Ponds with the Sandals Foundation and 50 eager Eco-Zone summer campers. 

The initiative entitled the “Climate Change Project,” is a partnership between the Ministry of Agriculture, the Environment Division and the Sandals Foundation in an effort to combat the affects of deforestation in the area. 

“I am thrilled to be here with the children and this has been such an incredible birthday,” said Her Excellency after planting a mango and almond tree. Sporting rain boots and carrying a shovel, the Governor General thoroughly enjoyed the interaction with the children who were content to have such a rare opportunity.
 

Environment Education Officer Arica Hill stressed the significance of the event and said, “It is amazing for the children to participate in this type of activity with an individual who represents the nation at the highest level because it motivates them to be champions of environmental awareness and change and it also adds credence to the project.” 

Launched in June of 2010, the goal of the “Climate Change Project” was to plant 2010 trees but according to Forestry Officer Adriele Thibou, this number will be surpassed.
 

This is one of the Sandals Foundation’s major environmental initiatives and more than 30 members of the Sandals Foundation’s Green Team have been involved. Guests staying at Sandals Grande Antigua Resort & Spa and Grand Pineapple Beach Resort can participate by sponsoring a tree for $10 USD, which will be planted in their honour. 

“We are thrilled by the response we have received from our guests and members of the community because environmental preservation impacts all spheres of life in the Caribbean and worldwide,” said Gerald Christ of the Sandals Foundation. More than $2500 USD has been raised by the Sandals Foundation for this initiative.