+ News and Press
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Keep Cayman Green Campaign Kindly Donates Trees
Tuesday, April 27, 2004 (Cayman Net News)

(l-r) Jackie Birmingham, of Jacques Scott; Eric
Crutchley, Chairman of Jacques Scott, Theresa
Broderick, Executive Director National Trust; Sarah
Harvey of the National Trust; and Ron George, of
Jacques Scott, at the National Trust's native gardens

As Earth Day neared its end, the National Trust phones started ringing and people began arriving at the Trust to ensure that they would not miss out on collecting their free native tree in the "Keep Cayman Green" campaign sponsored by Jacques Scott and Heineken.

600 trees, comprising of Bull Thatch Palms and Mahogany trees were propagated and nurtured by the Botanic Park, and delivered to the Trust by Caribbean Utilities Company (CUC), for distribution to the public.

By midday, members of the public were excitedly sharing their plans for the trees, some were going to be planted in private gardens, some in public spaces, some will be used to teach children about the care of the environment, and others to be planted as a memorial to loved ones. Whatever the reason, the enthusiasm and support of the Keep Cayman Green was clear.

People took the opportunity to stroll around the National Trust's own example of a native garden, gaining inspiration from the examples of native wildlife at the Trust House, and learning about the Trust's work to preserve Cayman's heritage as well as the environmental conservation. Jacques Scott provided drinks to refresh the visitors, and Quiznos provided food while Z99 broadcast live from the gardens.

Eric Crutchley, Chairman of Jacques Scott, who attended the event said: "Jacques Scott, in conjunction with Heineken, are delighted to be involved with this significant project of contributing 800 native trees, thanks to the co-operation of the National Trust, the Botanic Park staff, CUC and the public who have so enthusiastically supported Earth Day. It is encouraging to see that the public at large have accepted an Earth Week rather than just one day, which gives everyone, without exception, the opportunity to participate in some form or another. As individuals, we should make a commitment to carry this further to restore what has been taken from the Earth over the years. "

Theresa Broderick, Executive Director of National Trust added: "It is important for us, as a country, to preserve natural habitats for conservation purposes, but there are also many different ways that individuals can play their part in environmental preservation. Having an appreciation of native trees and planting them in their own gardens and developed landscapes is an easy way to help to care for the planet and the environment in which we live. We were happy to have this opportunity to welcome members of the public to the National Trust House to receive trees and become acquainted with the work of the Trust. This opportunity would not have been possible without the support of our long time corporate and media partners and from numerous Trust volunteers.”