LET US TRY TO PRESERVE, CONSERVE AND ENHANCE "We know that the whole creation has been groaning in labour pains until now." Romans Chap 8 V.22. It seems that the environment is a victim of our recklessness and inconsiderate actions. The environment bears food and sustains our livelihood, yet, we continue to poison it each day with harsh and toxic chemicals that seep through the earth and may enter the water table – this in turn kills us slowly. Additionally, it is apparent that we are prepared to cut down fruit trees such as mangoes and coconuts for their current crops without thinking about the environment or future generations. Responsible stewardship of the environment requires adherence to the principle of sustainable development, which states that the present generation must ensure that the earth (Grenada) and its resources are not denied to those who come after us. We simply cannot afford to continue to play games with Mother Earth instead of fulfilling our obligation as responsible stewards for the assets entrusted to us as individuals in the first instance and by extension, as a nation. In this regard, all of us are charged with responsibility for the earth, air, land and water -- the four elements of nature, on which we all depend. In the meantime, responsible Governments and other leaders, especially those of the Church and in business, have an added obligation to ensure that their policies, pronouncements and actions encourage the protection of the natural environment. FOE-G is not opposed to development; however we do believe that any activity which plunders resources like forests, land, air and food, oblivious to the needs of tomorrow, is short sighted and self defeating and should not be considered as progress. Furthermore, we are also opposed to the unjust displacement of communities for the purpose of facilitating expedient economic returns as in the case of the uprooting of the communities of Mt Panday and the Lagoon. ‘Let all of us learn not to treat Mother Earth like a toddler playing with a toy, breaking it up, destroying it. Let us try to preserve and conserve and really make “action” a ‘celebration of awareness in Grenada.’ (quote by Akima Paul, FOE –G Ambassador for the environment, taken from her writings). FOE-G wishes everyone a Merry Christmas and a prosperous and green New Year. We look forward to working with you all to ensure that Grenada continues to develop in a way that is respectful to its natural beauty and to the legacy of future generations. Joseph Antoine President Friends of the Earth –Grenada INSIDE GRENADA NEWS