47 Native Trees Planted at Caribbean Haven Centre in Bodden Town
Summary
The Cayman Islands Ministry of Health, Environment and Sustainability planted 47 native, medicinal, and fruit trees at Caribbean Haven Residential Centre in Bodden Town on April 2, 2026. The initiative, part of the National Tree Planting Programme, commemorates the centre's 25th anniversary and themes of renewal, resilience, and hope. Tree species include the critically endangered Cayman sage, medicinal plants such as leaf of life and vervain, and fruit trees including mango, guava, pomegranate, and mulberry.
What changed
The Cayman Islands Government, through the Ministry of Health, Environment and Sustainability, conducted a ceremonial tree planting event at Caribbean Haven Residential Centre in Bodden Town. Forty-seven native, medicinal, and fruit trees were planted to commemorate the centre's 25th anniversary. The planted species include the critically endangered Cayman sage, traditional medicinal plants such as leaf of life and vervain, and various fruit trees. This was a ceremonial observance with no regulatory or compliance implications for any parties.
This announcement does not create any obligations for businesses, individuals, or regulated entities. The National Tree Planting Programme appears to be a voluntary environmental initiative with no compliance requirements or deadlines associated with this press release.
What to do next
- Monitor for updates on the National Tree Planting Programme
Archived snapshot
Apr 11, 2026GovPing captured this document from the original source. If the source has since changed or been removed, this is the text as it existed at that time.
News Blogs Public Holidays Noticeboard Events Public Consultations Misinformation Media Contacts WhatsApp CIG YouTube Radio Cayman Archive Sign Up For Our Newsletter
Native Trees Planted in Recognition of CHRS's 25th Anniversary
7 April 2026 | Press Release | By: MHES Communications
In recognition of Caribbean Haven Residential Centre’s (CHRC) 25th Anniversary, the Ministry of Health Environment and Sustainability (MHES) has planted 47 native, medicinal and fruit trees on the grounds of the facility in Bodden Town.
Delivered through the Ministry’s National Tree Planting Programme (NTPP), the planting which took place on Thursday 2 April, reflects themes of renewal, resilience and hope - values that align closely with the centre’s work supporting individuals on their recovery journeys.
Hon. Katherine Ebanks-Wilks, Minister for Health, Environment and Sustainability, said: “I thank the team at the Caribbean Haven Residential Centre for their unwavering service over the past 25 years. Their work has brought hope, safety and transformation to many lives. As we plant these trees, we also look ahead to stronger communities, improved services, and continued support for those working to overcome addiction.”
The trees were carefully selected to suit the site’s soil conditions and to reflect Cayman’s natural heritage. Some of the plant varieties include: the critically endangered Cayman sage; Leaf of life a low-lying succulent, traditionally used for making teas to relieve coughs and colds or made into a poultice to treat skin infections; and Vervain, also known as “Blue porterweed” - a herbaceous plant with small purple flowers known to have healing properties that can be made into a tea to remedy nervousness and heart conditions, or used as a healing poultice. Fruit trees such as mango, guava, pomegranate and mulberry were also planted.
The newly planted trees will be looked after by the centre’s residents and staff.
Kimberly Febres, Clinical Supervisor, Caribbean Haven Residential Centre, speaking at the event, added: "The planting is reminiscent of what we do with our residents with recovery - if you nurture something and look after it, it will grow. So, having these trees here, through the years, the staff and the clients can watch the fruits of their own labour and work. I thank the team for all their support and dedication to make this happen."
For more information on the National Tree Planting Programme, visit gov.ky/national-tree-planting
Last updated:
Related Topics
Agriculture, Environment & Natural Resources Press Release Ministry of Health, Environment & Sustainability (MHES)
Get daily alerts for Cayman Islands Government News
Daily digest delivered to your inbox.
Free. Unsubscribe anytime.
About this page
Every important government, regulator, and court update from around the world. One place. Real-time. Free. Our mission
Source document text, dates, docket IDs, and authority are extracted directly from CIG.
The summary, classification, recommended actions, deadlines, and penalty information are AI-generated from the original text and may contain errors. Always verify against the source document.
Classification
Who this affects
Taxonomy
Browse Categories
Get alerts for this source
We'll email you when Cayman Islands Government News publishes new changes.
Subscribed!
Optional. Filters your digest to exactly the updates that matter to you.