Scotiabank plants seeds of hope

THOUSANDS OF students in hundreds of schools are slated to be part of the Scotiabank Tree-Planting Project launched on May 8 as one to the bank’s Child Month initiatives. The first in a series of tree plantings took place yesterday at Mountain View Primary in St Andrew, an activity that had students from various grades participating in the planting of six trees in a special area established by the school’s wellness club.

Gary Vaughn White, vice president – treasury, Scotiabank, while addressing the students, said: “We know that you spend most of your day at school, and we know that trees help to create a healthy atmosphere, so we are working with the Forestry Department. We are pleased to provide you with trees that will help boost your wellness programme here at Mountain View Primary.”

After receiving planting guidelines from Francine Black Richards, representing the Forestry Department, the students made their way over to the designated area, where they were further enlightened about the specific plants they would be adding to the school’s tree population. A range of ornamental trees have been selected for this initiative, including yellow poui, acacia, Pride of Barbados, cassia, jacaranda, and Queen’s flower.

The students got involved in the planting exercise, creating the correct size holes, shovelling, placing the plant, and patting down the soil as they planted the first of six saplings received from the bank.

“Our goal is to engage our children about their role in maintaining the environment through this activity,” said Yanique Forbes Patrick, vice-president of marketing at Scotiabank.

The Scotiabank Tree-Planting Project will be rolled out into 242 primary schools across the island.