By Kisean Joseph
Sagicor General Insurance has transformed used tires from their September Mortgage Fair into a garden project at New Winthorpes Primary School.
The initiative, spearheaded by Gemma Howell, Assistant Manager of EC Operations at Sagicor Antigua, showcased the company’s commitment to both environmental responsibility and community development.
“By repurposing the tyres, it reduces landfill waste and prevents fires associated with discarded tyres,” explained Howell. The tyres, originally donated for the fair’s kids’ zone, found a new purpose as garden containers. “Instead of just discarding the tyres, we could have found use for them.
Knowing we had a relationship with New Winthorpes Primary School, I contacted Principal Dowdy about creating a tyre garden for the students, which she obliged us.”
The garden now features an array of herbs and vegetables, including thyme, garlic chives, sweet basil, white cherry tomatoes, seasoning peppers, and lemongrass. This careful selection of plants serves both educational and practical purposes.
The project’s impact extends beyond basic gardening. “The teachers plan to incorporate gardening activities into the lessons, giving students opportunities to learn about plant growth, healthy eating, and the environment,” Howell said. “They also plan to use it for the Grade Six school-based assessment.”
In a move that promotes collective responsibility and inclusivity, the entire school community participates in maintaining the garden. “We wanted everybody to be included in taking care of the garden, not just a specific class,” Howell said. This approach fosters a sense of shared ownership and community engagement.
The garden demonstrates community collaboration by “providing a shared space where people from the school, meaning the students and the teachers, and persons in the neighbourhood can come together over a common interest of gardening,” said Howell.
The harvested produce serves multiple purposes within the school community. “The produce will be used throughout in terms of school activities. Where they would have any cook-offs, they will be using it for the cook-offs, and also to be given to students to take home for their parents as well.”
While this project is currently focused on New Winthorpes Primary School, Sagicor remains open to expanding the initiative. “At this time, I will say there is a possibility. It is nothing confirmed, but we are always willing to go into communities and schools to assist those that are in need,” Howell said.
