“Improve our support systems” is the theme for this year’s observance of World Down Syndrome Day.

Members of Parliament and other staff gathered at the entrance of Government Headquarters to welcome participants of a Parade held in observance of the day, celebrated annually on Mar. 21^st.

World Down Syndrome Day is observed to create awareness about Down syndrome. Down syndrome is a genetic condition where a person is born with an extra chromosome (genetic code). This can affect how their brain and body develop.

Members of Parliament and staff wore brightly colored socks in celebration of World Down Syndrome Day.

Meanwhile, Friday Mar. 21^st was also observed as International Day of Forests. It is a United Nations observance to raise awareness about the importance of forests and their role in food security, nutrition, and livelihoods, with this year’s theme being “Forests and Food”.

Minister of Environment and Climate Action-St. Kitts, Dr. Joyelle Clarke, stated on social media “the breathtaking mountain ranges of our Central Reserve National Park, the dry woodland forests across Canada Estate and the South-East Peninsula, and on our sister isle, the lush expanse of Nevis Peak are all markers of our local identities. Let us continue to conserve, preserve and protect these critical landscapes toward a sustainable Saint Kitts and Nevis.”