Earlier today, Governor de Jongh and First Lady Cecile de Jongh, along with the Virgin Islands Department of Agriculture and the Garden Club of the Gladys A. Abraham Elementary School participated in a dedication ceremony to announce the opening of the First Lady’s Herb and Tea Garden at Government House, St. Thomas.

In observance of Earth Week, Governor John P. de Jongh, Jr. and First Lady Cecile de Jongh dedicate the first lady’s Herb and Tea Garden at Government House, St. Thomas on Wednesday. They are joined by (from left to right) VIDOA staff Troy King; Assistant Commissioner of Agriculture Luther Renee; Gladys A. Abraham Elementary School teacher Vincent Henley and students from its School Garden Club; and VIDOA staff Asinia Potter.

“Earth Week is an appropriate time to teach young people about the environment, and their role in protecting the beautiful land that surrounds us. It is also a time to present a bigger picture on an environmental consciousness, now more important than ever, that truly starts with education in our homes, playgrounds and communities. Through the countless efforts of individuals across the globe, this week we hope to continue to improve our little piece of the planet and help bring forward a greater good for all,” Governor de Jongh said. 

In commemoration of Earth Week, specifically Earth Day as observed on April 22nd, students joined the governor, first lady and VI Department of Agriculture staff in planting various herbs and bush teas in newly prepared garden plots at Government House. The initiative seeks to raise awareness on the importance of individually contributing to green initiatives in support of a healthy planet and to inspire Virgin Islanders, especially youth, to garden at school or at home and to eat healthy meals and snacks every day.

During his remarks, the governor also noted that projects like this one enable youth to cultivate an appreciation for the environment. “It is clear from the level of excitement and natural interest in gardening amongst the students of the Gladys A. Abraham Elementary School and students territory-wide, that we are tapping into a passion for caring for one’s environment and one’s health. In addition, when you consider all that the department of Agriculture is doing to elevate the conversation on producing and eating locally grown fruits and vegetables through its Virgin Fresh line, as well as the business of agriculture and entrepreneurship opportunities available through agribusiness ventures, today’s ceremony is truly a fitting and symbolic tribute to Earth Week.”

Vincent Henley, teacher at the Gladys A. Abraham Elementary School, advised that the school’s garden club has pledged to maintain the first lady’s Herb and Tea Garden going forward, including weeding and watering the plots.

At the ceremony First Lady de Jongh highlighted the importance of providing youth with educational opportunities outside of the classroom. “This is yet one more step we are taking in promoting healthy eating and healthy living in the territory. Eighteen months ago, we built and set up a composter at Government House to raise awareness on recycling food waste to create nutrient rich soil, suitable for use in a home or school garden. With this herb and tea garden, we take one more step in trying to set an example of environmental stewardship and maintaining a healthy lifestyle, especially amongst youth.”

The Herb and Tea Garden is one of several projects initiated by First Lady to raise awareness on healthy eating, nutrition, and overall wellness.

Agriculture Assistant Commissioner Luther Renee commended the governor and first lady for initiating the Government House gardening project and applauded the efforts of Agriculture staff Ruth Gomez, Troy King, Xavier Ramsey and Asinia Potter for their project management of the newly created gardening area. “This is an important occasion, celebrating Easter planting, a potent symbol of life renewed.” 

During the event, basil, rosemary, mint, lemongrass, celery, parsley, chives and thyme were planted in six garden plots on site at Government House.

The theme for this year’s national Earth Day observation is “Earth Day: A Billion Acts of Green.” Through this effort and countless individual and larger organizational initiatives throughout the nation and worldwide, citizens are asked to participate in supporting environmental sustainability efforts.

Earth Day was founded on April 22, 1970 and is now celebrated in more than 175 countries every year. Numerous communities celebrate Earth Week, an entire week of activities focused on environmental issues.