A HANDFUL of projects considered of benefit to the environment received a financial boast from Government.

Environment Minister Neletha Butterfield presented cheques totalling $49,000 as part of the Environmental Grant Scheme, to propel five worthy initiatives toward success.

The programme is designed to "support individuals, groups, schools and non-Governmental organisations in the pursuit of their projects to conserve, preserve and restore the island's natural environment".

A $10,000 grant was given to Quincy Burgess for a mango orchard, $4,000 to Wendy Tucker for a World Ocean Day project, $7,500 to John Paul Skinner for a marine science internship for local students, $2,500 to East End Primary School for a school garden, and $25,000 to Elmore Warren and Daron Lowe to produce a DVD, Keisha the Mermaid. Recipients must submit "two, six-monthly progress reports" and "demonstrate financial accountability".

"Since its launch in 2003, the Environmental Grant Scheme has continued to attract interest on the part of many individuals and organisations that share our vision to promote the protection and preservation of the natural environment," Mrs. Butterfield said.

The Ministry allocates $100,000 each year to the programme and encouraged others to submit their projects for consideration.