Basseterre, Saint Kitts, June 05, 2026 (SKNIS): The transition to a more sustainable future in Saint Kitts and Nevis expanded on Friday, June 05, 2026, as the Department of Environment and the Taiwan Technical Mission joined hands with the Antioch Baptist Church to launch a new recycling bin as part of the nationwide Recycling Project.
A brief ceremony was held at the new bin location at Lime Kiln Commercial Development to mark the significant occasion, which coincides with the observance of World Environment Day.
Director of the Department of Environment, Derionne Edmeade, commended the Lead Pastor, Lincoln D. Connor, and the congregation for proactively reaching out to the Department to join the recycling initiative. By doing so, the Antioch Baptist Church made history as the first church to support this national initiative, and the proud site of the community’s first official recycling bin.
“It gives me great pleasure to really thank the leadership of the Antioch Baptist Church for taking this bold step, this leadership role so that other churches and different organisations may follow as they continue to lead this part of the church community,” Mr. Edmeade stated.
Resident Ambassador of the Republic of China (Taiwan), His Excellency Edward Tao, indicated that Taiwan has worked closely with the government on the project for approximately five years. He expressed pleasure with the expansion of the Recycling Project into a new community and praised all involved, particularly Joyce Chang, who is the lead representative of the Technical Mission on the project. Ambassador Tao also presented several shopping bags made from recycled materials from the Federation to Ian Richards, who represented the church at the ceremony.
In response, Mr. Richards, on behalf of the Lead Pastor, Board, and congregation, explained that the idea to join the Recycling Project developed some weeks ago. He said that God’s timing was perfect as it manifested on June 05 – World Environment Day. Mr. Richards echoed Lead Pastor Connor’s words from Sunday, June 03, 2026, reminding that God gave man dominion over the Earth after its creation, and said everyone has a responsibility to protect the environment.
“The Antioch Baptist Church is no stranger to environmental issues,” the church leader stated. “Of course, our young people [designed] and implemented a water conservation project a few years ago, and the young men of the Turn Around Agenda participate in coastal protection, so we are familiar with the importance of protecting the environment.”
The recycling bin is located outside of the church’s fence to allow 24/7 public access. Community members are strongly encouraged to compress and bag plastic bottles, aluminium cans, soft metals, and cardboard to deposit in the bin for recycling. Absolutely no organic waste, such as food or other household garbage, is to be thrown into the recycling bin.
The Department of Environment will also place recycling bins in the vicinity of Fraites Bakery in Molineux, and the Dr. Denzil L. Douglas Secondary School at Saddlers. A fourth will be positioned in Sandy Point.
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