Press Releases

U. S. Embassy Promotes Earth Day

April 23, 2007

‘Earth Day, Treat The Earth Right’; ‘Save Our Earth’; ‘Save The Turtle’; ‘Keep the Poachers away from our fish’; ‘Let The Animals Live’; ‘Happy Earth Day’ -- these are some of the messages that decorated the colorful brown paper shopping bags done by students at Woodcock Primary School, in their effort to promote environmental awareness and the importance of preserving the Earth, as the world observes Earth Day, April 22, 2007.

On April 20, Mrs. Virginia Ramadan, U.S. Embassy Consul General delivered some 200 of the decorated shopping bags, which were donated by City Markets to City Markets, Harbour Bay.  Mr. Ken Burns, CEO of City Markets accepted the bags which were used to package goods by shoppers on Saturday, April 21 and Sunday, April 22.  Simultaneously, Embassy officer Paula Wikle delivered an additional 200 decorated bags to City Market, Cable Beach.    Mrs. Azaleta Ishmael-Newry, Marketing Director and Mr. Rood Bethel store Manager were on hand to accept the bags at that store.

The Earth Day Project, coordinated by the U.S. Embassy in conjunction with City Markets and the Marine Aquarium Department at Atlantis Hotel, was launched on Monday April 16 at Woodcock Primary School.  Ms. Keisha Russell, senior aquarist assisted by aquarist Joshua Hamilton from Atlantis Hotel gave a 15-minute presentation about marine life and its importance to the environment.   On Wednesday, April 18, Chargè d’Affaires, Dr. D. Brent Hardt spearheaded a group of Embassy Staff volunteers who assisted the students in decorating the bags.  Crayon donations for decorating the bags came from the U.S. Embassy. 

The project was part of an annual worldwide effort by U.S. Embassies to promote Earth Day observance.  Earth Day began in 1970 as a protest movement but has since evolved into a global celebration of the environment and commitment to its protection.

Photo Caption: Shows Charge d’Affaires Dr. Brent Hardt talking to a group of 5^th graders about the importance of Earth Day as he assists with the art project.