Ins & Outs of SVG 2020

INS& UTS 38 DISCOVER ST. VINCENT What do sustainable livelihoods, prisoner rehabilitation and climate change resilience have in common? The answer lies in St. Vincent’s Prisons where prisoners in the Grow in Time vetiver craft rehabilitation programme are learning about environmental conservation. In a pioneering enviro-rehabilitation project designed and coordinated by local NGO Hand2Earth and sponsored by the SVG Environmental Fund, a group of prisoners and ex-offenders have their skills training expanded outdoors in a vetiver grass nursery established and maintained for teaching sustainable land management and food security through natural farming methods. The prisoners learn how to propagate and plant the deep- rooted vetiver plant for a multitude of purposes including erosion control, landslide prevention, natural irrigation and regeneration of the soil. The grass is a natural pesticide whilst attracting beneficial insects which makes it ideal intervention for food security. A year after its inception, 20 prisoners have received training. Within the context of fostering climate change resilient communities, prisoners acquire practical skills and knowledge to enhance the economic resilience and bio-diversity of their communities when they leave prison. Grassmen By Vonnie Roudette Visitors flock to to Grow in Time booth at the Everything Vincy Independence Expo October 2019