NIA CHARLESTOWN (April 23, 2012) — Environment Minister in the Nevis Island Administration (NIA) Hon. Carlisle Powell called on Nevisians to be mindful of how they treated the earth and they should start in their communities.  His urging came as he delivered an advance televised address on April 20th on Nevis Television on channel 8 (NTV8), as Nevis joined the world in observance of Earth Day on April 22, 2012.

He stated that the fight for a clean environment should take root in communities on the island, since climate change had become increasingly important in the world today.

“Working together we can make a positive difference in preserving the natural resources we all enjoy and share with visitors to our shores…

“Help write many more victories, many more successes into our history by keeping your streets and villages litter free. Let us use energy saving light bulbs and appliances. We must use water wisely and fix leaking taps and other equipment. Use fuel efficient vehicles and control our land based activities to prevent waste water run offs that can pollute our ground water and ocean. We should use the beaches smartly and leave the sand for future generations to enjoy,” Mr. Powell suggested.

The Minister, who is also responsible for Nevis’ natural resources, noted that the NIA through its water services programme would continue to educate the public on those important matters and over time, would work with local, regional and international organisations and institutions to help bring about behavioural change in those areas.

Looking to the future, Mr Powell said building a clean, healthy, green environment for generations to come meant protection of the island’s ground water and public water system, air pollution control, beach monitoring, pesticide control and solid waste management.

He also made specific mention of the NIA’s  thrust in the development of geothermal energy and noted though they had some distance to go the sitting Administration had advocated greater emphasis on renewable energy.

“The government granted very generous concessions on solar water heaters. The Wind Farm at Maddens and our continuing thrust into geothermal energy have attracted the attention of the entire world as Renewable Energy enthusiasts have acknowledged that the government and people of Nevis are playing our part in protecting and preserving the earth,” he said.

Notwithstanding, Mr. Powell said no matter how small the efforts were he encouraged all to begin to do something to protect and preserve the earth since succeeding generations would depend on this generation.

Nevis joined more than one billion people across the globe on Sunday to stand united for a sustainable future and to draw attention to the importance of environmental issues on Nevis and the rest of the world.