National Tree Planting Day 2007

Kingston, Jamaica – The Optimist Club of Sunset Liguanea took part in the Island’s National Tree Planting day activities on October 5, 2007.
The annual event is organized by the Jamaica Forestry Department, a section of the Ministry of Agriculture, aimed at preserving


Jamaica’s natural resources. Due to the passing of Hurricane Dean, many of the island’s trees were destroyed making this year’s tree planting activities significantly important. A part of the club’s purpose is “to aid and encourage the development of youth in the belief that the giving of one’s self in service to others will advance the well being of man, his community and the world.” therefore Friday’s activities of preserving the natural resources of the island for future generations seemed aligned with the clubs objectives.
“Service to children in our organization is paramount but we also wish to contribute to preserving this island we love” says chapter President Latoya Wade. “As our club focuses on the development of Jamaica’s youth, it’s my hope that by planting these trees we will also contribute to the conservation of our counties resources, the same resources that our youth will one day inherit.”
Supplied with seedling from the Forestry Department, Club members from the Sunset Liguanea chapter as well as the newly formed chapter at Holly Childhood High school came together on Friday to plant 4 pink and yellow Poui trees on the schools campus. Although the rain seemed determined on postponing the event, it proved to be advantageous as it aiding in the planning process by making the soil easier to dig and providing well soaked soil for the new seedlings.
Among students in Jamaica, the Poui tree is famous for its “exam time” blossoms. Its said that when the Poui blooms, High School exams are near and its time to study, a sort of reminder to do well by Mother Nature.
The Optimist Club of Sunset Liguanea is a non-profit organization established in 1999 with the main goal of improving Jamaica’s youth and community. The Chapter is one of many on the island that belong to the Optimist International Organization.