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April 21, 2008
GOVERNOR PROCLAIMS EARTH DAY IN THE U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS Gov. deJongh proclaimed Tuesday, April 22, 2008, as "Earth Day" also known as "No Plastic Bags Day" in the United States Virgin Islands. Earth Day has been set aside to highlight Planet Earth, our mutual home, and to bring a global feeling of community through realization of our deepening desire for life, freedom and love, and our dependence on each other. It is important that the delicate balance of nature, essential for the survival of Planet Earth and for our own survival, be maintained through a global effort involving all the nations and everyone here on Planet Earth. The Virgin Islands Waste Management Authority has initiated a public awareness program to reduce the number of plastic bags being utilized by residents and visitors in the Territory by urging residents and visitors to support the effort and refrain from using plastic bags on April 22. In keeping with the goal of the Virgin Islands Waste Management Authority, to encourage all Virgin Islanders to reduce, reuse and recycle their waste, and in particular, to reduce the use of plastic bags by switching to reusable shopping bags, local business owners are encouraged to educate their customers about this initiative. This will thereby assist the Virgin Islands Waste Management Authority in carrying out its mandate regarding reducing waste disposal. The community, through collaboration with our local public and private schools, will be better educated and informed about the advantages of proven reduce, reuse and recycle programs. Residents and visitors are asked to make a greater commitment to the promise to protect our islands and its environment, as well as working together to serve as stewards of cultural and natural resources for future generations of Virgin Islanders and visitors to enjoy. |
