HOME	JUNE 26th, 2004

JUNE 26

Digicel, one of Grenada's newest telecommunications provider has teamed up with the Grenada Hotels and Tourism Association (GHTA) to launch an anti-litter campaign for junior primary school pupils throughout the state.

The main feature of the campaign, which targets 5-9 year olds, is the "Litter Bug" colouring booklet, which will be distributed throughout all primary schools throughout Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique.

The campaign was officially launched on June 17 with a brief ceremony, attended by officials from the Ministry of Tourism, Ministry of Health, the GHTA and Digicel, at the Grand Anse R.C. School.

A total of 10,000 booklets with crayons have been produced for island-wide distribution, including primary schools on Carriacou and Petite Martinique. Already, the St. Louis R.C. Girls and the host school of the launch have received their booklets.

Speaking to the young pupils at the launch ceremony, Minister of Tourism, Brenda Hood said, "It is important to keep the classroom and our homes clean" and told the pupils that they should not just concentrate on colouring the books, but they should also practice keeping the environment clean.

GHTA Chairman, Ian DaBreo, praised all the organisations and individuals whose joint efforts made the project a reality. "It was a collaborative effort from a number of members", he said, "in particular, Mrs. Wendy Potter-Bertucci, who did the illustrations, while Digicel's contribution was crucial in ensuring printing of the 10,000 booklets".

Judy Benoit, speaking on behalf the Minister of Health, thanked Digicel & the GHTA for investing in such a project and expressed the hope that when the children get to her age "litter would no longer be a household word".

Speaking on behalf of Digicel, the main sponsor of the campaign, Country Manager, Patricia Maher said: "As a child, I enjoyed national campaigns to keep my country, Ireland tidy and the message has stayed with me for life".

"We are delighted to have been able to provide the main sponsorship support to make this project happen", she added. Maher urged the students to enjoy colouring the books while they learn to keep Grenada litter-free. Digicel's contribution to the project is EC$ 7,500.