CariPhilAlliance Tree Planting Ambassador Program gives tribute to Rastafarian Priest Blyden

CariPhilAlliance Tree Planting Ambassador Program gives tribute to Rastafarian Priest Blyden
Members of the House of Rastafari Inter-Mansion Farming Collective and Akhepran International Academy staff and students plant a tree on Sunday, January 10, 2021.

NASSAU, BAHAMAS — In cooperation with the Caribbean Philanthropic Alliance’s (CariPhilAlliance — CPA) pledge to plant one million trees by June 5, 2021, members of the House of Rastafari Inter-Mansion Farming Collective (HOR) and Akhepran International Academy staff and students paid tribute to the late Priest Philip Blyden by participating in the launch of CariPhilAlliance Tree Planting Ambassador Programme.

On Sunday, January 10, 2021, participants planted several fruit trees — including almond, avocado pear, banana, coconut, mamey sapote, mangola, sapodilla and soursop — at Akhepran International Academy on Bernard Road.

Participants at the launch of the CariPhilAlliance Tree Planting Ambassador Programme at Akhepran International Academy, Bernard Road, Sunday, January 10, 2021.

The House of Rastafari extended a heartfelt thanks to the school’s principal, teachers, students and all who attended, donated or supported the programme’s launch and and tribute to Blyden, a prominent Rastafari and historical advocate for Rastafari rights in The Bahamas who passed away on November 30, 2020.

The HOR also extended its call to action to the Bahamian public, saying in a press release: “The House Of Rastafari wishes to partner with you, all citizens of The Bahamas, and the Ministry of Agriculture to meet and exceed the commitment of planting 1,000,000 fruit trees, as part of the Caribbean Tree Planting Project (CTPP).”

The CTPP encourages The Bahamas and all Caribbean stakeholders to take part in mass tree planting efforts to reduce carbon, revitalize the environment, strengthen coastlines, create sources for food production and foster resilience among vulnerable groups, among other goals.

“Bahamian trees are being stripped from our soil at an alarming rate,” the HOR noted.

“Native trees clean the air, prevent soil erosion, provide healing and nourishment, give shade to cool soaring temperatures and add beauty to our neighborhoods.

“To help curb the effects of climate change in The Bahamas and contribute to every Bahamian community’s health and well-being, let us begin by planting trees throughout the Islands of The Bahamas.”

Participants at the launch of the CariPhilAlliance Tree Planting Ambassador Programme at Akhepran International Academy, Bernard Road, Sunday, January 10, 2021.

It added: “We would sincerely appreciate your participation and support in meeting and exceeding this goal while bringing much-needed attention to climate change adaptation and mitigation.

“Will you join us to help fight climate change adaptation and mitigation?

“The time to take action is now. Our future is in our hands. Plant a tree. Plant many trees and let them bear fruits for the generations to come.”

Interested parties may register their tree-planting activities by visiting this link to have it added to CariPhilAlliance’s goal, or by contacting houseofrastafaribahamas@gmail.com.