OUTSPOKEN parliamentarian Denis Kellman took up his acting appointment as Minister of the Environment, Water Resources and Drainage yesterday and promptly revealed his preference for tackling environmental problems the old-time way.
Kellman said that many things that were done in years past were relevant to environmental conservation.
“Renewable energy will be one of the things that we have to look at in a major way.
“Years ago, we knew nothing about fossil fuels, but we knew about the thing we now call renewable energy,” he said.
A Barbados Government Information statement said that Kellman stressed the need to “apologise” to our foreparents by returning to some of the practices of bygone years.
“We also need to recognise that we are leaders,” Kellman said.
“The Parks and Beaches Commission was not only established for weeding and cutting down trees, as some persons believe, but to preserve the environment.
“So, now that the world is talking about greening and a clean environment, we should educate the world about how we started the process.”
Kellman, a parliamentarian of some 16 years, was elevated to the front bench following the illness of the substantive Minister Dr Denis Lowe.
“I am happy to be here and I am glad to have met the Permanent Secretary and staff. I am also happy to find a department keen to work and willing to advise,” the acting minister remarked, following introductory meetings with Permanent Secretary Lionel Weekes, senior members of his technical team and other staff at the ministry’s Hincks Street, Bridgetown offices. (BGIS)
