… encouraging children to be involved in this worthwhile activity
IN commemoration of International Children’s Day, First Lady Deolatchmee Ramotar yesterday launched the ‘Garden for the Children of Guyana’ initiative at State House. Mrs. Ramotar’s desire is to honour the children of Guyana in a practical way, by involving them in an activity that would produce tangible results. She was joined by her husband, President Donald Ramotar, other government functionaries, students and teachers.
Following the speeches, they all viewed a small demonstration plot in the compound of State House, Main Street, Georgetown. The demonstration involves three different methods of cultivation.
The first utilises traditional gardening, which is inexpensive and accessible. The second involves hydroponics, which is a newer and more environmentally friendly method. And the third section involves what is known as raised-bed gardening.
This third method allows plants to grow closer, conserves on water, and provides improved aeration of the roots, due to better drainage. This type of gardening can achieve greater yields and is a useful consideration, especially when designing kitchen gardens.
Historically, according to the First Lady, kitchen and flower plants have been a source of sustenance, income, beautification, and healthy recreation.
“We must continue this tradition. Encouraging our children to cultivate small gardens at home and at school is one way of doing this, while allowing them to enjoy the attendant personal, recreational, health and educational benefits.
“Children can also make good use of their free time engaging in gardening. This would also enrich their knowledge of agriculture, botany, food and nutrition. In addition, the cultivation of kitchen gardens contributes to the national drive to grow more food. These are some of the benefits, which, it is hoped, the ‘Garden for the Children of Guyana’ initiative will promote,” she remarked.
Mrs. Ramotar said her intention is to roll out this initiative across the country.
“I would like to encourage teachers and parents to be a part of this drive, to revive interest in gardening. No matter how small is the available land space, you can develop a kitchen or flower garden.
“I hope that this small garden here at State House will eventually become a space where children can interact, share experiences, build team spirit, and be inspired to cultivate their own small gardens at school and at home,” she said, while concluding her feature address.
President Ramotar, in brief remarks, observed the passion that his wife has for agriculture. He is proud of the initiative she has launched based on her enthusiasm. He observed, too, that agriculture is a very noble profession.
“There can be no nobler task than providing food for people. Many people look down on agriculture as a low-level type of work. And this is why I am happy that my wife is taking this initiative. I think we need to bring dignity to every form of work that people do; and agriculture in particular, which has such a big role to play in the development of our country,” the president said.
Ramotar further remarked that agriculture can very well become a prosperous business for entrepreneurs, for children to be inspired by. It can both satisfy their immediate needs and help them make a good living.