Basseterre: St. Kitts, Monday, November 24, 2025: A total of fifty-five (55) schools were on Monday, November 24, given high praise for their sterling contribution to the National Recycling Programme during the 2025 National School Recycling Competition Awards Ceremony.
Mr. Nelvin Maynard, General Manager of the Solid Waste Management Corporation expressed gratitude to the participants and respective stakeholders noting the significance and long-term benefits to be derived from recycling,
“This event is the outcome of a concerted effort which began 2 months ago, when our schools were invited to participate, in large measure, in the advancement of our national recycling programme. In many respects, the enthusiasm shown by our students reminds us that the choices we make today determine the state of the world that will be entrusted to them. The recycling of plastics and cans, and the diversion of recoverable materials away from the landfill, constitute meaningful actions toward our national objectives.”
Mr. Roy Y. H. Lo, who leads the Taiwan Technical Mission in St. Kitts and Nevis observed that considerable progress has been made in the collective effort to gather plastic waste.
“In just six weeks, we collected 18,900 pounds of recyclables across the country. I want to give recognition to the secondary schools and preschools joining us for the first time. Their outstanding participation helped to increase our monthly recycling volume. This shows not only the education sector’s commitment to environmental issues, but also the willingness of the teachers and students to take real action for sustainability.”
Commending the schools for their strong commitment to civic responsibility while underscoring the necessity of integrated and comprehensive educational partnerships, Mrs. Lisa Pistana Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education communicated,
“This initiative reflects the power of education in shaping responsible citizens and fostering a culture of environmental stewardship. Through partnership like this, we empower our students to become advocates for a cleaner, greener future. I implore our students and schools to keep up these practices and ensure that it is a part of your daily life. We are extremely proud of your efforts students and teachers and support your continued work to keep your school cleaner and greener spaces.”
Hon. Dr. Joyelle Clarke, Minister responsible for Sustainable Development, Environment et al shared,
“This recycling ceremony which is just the tail end of our recycling program, our educational program would not be possible if we did not have the stellar commitment from the Ministry of Education. There would be no program without our students, our teachers and our parents. To our students, it is so important that we instill life-long valuable lessons of stewardship and environmental consciousness.”
The National School Recycling Competition is an interministerial partnership between the Ministries of Sustainable Development et al, the Department of Environment, the Solid Waste Management Corporation and the Ministry of Education in collaboration with the Embassy of the Republic of China (Taiwan) and the Taiwanese Technical Mission.
