Last Wednesday, Princess Beatrix visited a special project called Perpetual Plastics, created by EPIC St. Maarten to help turn plastic trash into cool items. At the project’s workspace in Cole Bay, the princess met the Nature Foundation’s Junior Rangers and talked with them about why it’s important to recycle trash and use less plastic.
The princess joined the Junior Rangers in a fun game where they picked cards from a bowl, each showing a plastic item, and thought of better, eco-friendly alternatives. When it was her turn, Princess Beatrix suggested using ceramic plates instead of plastic ones – what a great yet simple idea!
The Junior Rangers also showed the princess some amazing things they made by reusing plastic, like a pink piggy bank to save money, and a handheld fan made from plastic bottles, which would be super handy during a power outage! Princess Beatrix loved their creativity and even helped shred some plastic to see how recycling works.
At the end of the visit, the Junior Rangers shared a special letter they wrote to the princess. In it, they talked about their hopes and dreams for a cleaner and healthier St. Maarten. You can read their inspiring letter:
Your Royal Highness, Princess Beatrix of the Netherlands,
The Nature Foundation Junior Rangers of Sint Maarten wish to express our heartfelt hopes and dreams for the future of our beautiful island.
We envision a Sint Maarten where nature thrives, where our pristine beaches are free of litter, allowing the island’s natural beauty to shine. We dream of a time when our community stands independently, protecting our environment without relying on foreign organisations. We long for a future where our pelicans soar above us without the threat of extinction due to climate change and where the Lesser Antillean iguana, once a vital part of our ecosystem, returns to our shores.
Education and awareness about climate change are essential to us; we believe that every resident should understand the profound impact this issue has on our beloved island. We yearn for cleaner lands and healthier communities, knowing that addressing the landfill problem will enhance our overall well-being.
We aspire to see more protected areas, both on land and in our oceans, ensuring that future generations can appreciate and enjoy the richness of our environment. Additionally, we advocate for responsible development that respects our island’s natural beauty, avoiding construction on our precious hills.
Your Royal Highness, the Junior Rangers of Sint Maarten dream of a future where our environment is cherished, protected, and preserved for all. We look to leaders like you to help foster positive change and bring our dreams to fruition.
Thank you for listening to our voices. Together, with your support, we can work towards a brighter, greener future for Sint Maarten.
With deep respect,
The Junior Rangers of Sint Maarten
Pictured: The Junior Rangers read their letter to Princess Beatrix. From left to right: Yzabella Younger (14), Aditi Ramchandani (13), Aria Sam (14), Aden Stomp (13), Elijah Codrington Vicente (13) and Rashad Brooks (14). Daniella De Windt photo.
