As a part of the one year anniversary celebrations of the life of Dr. Pauulu Kamarakafego (Roosevelt Browne), students and seniors living in rest homes were given gifts to raise their awareness to sustainable development and renewable energy.

At a presentation outside the House of Assembly yesterday, Senator Thaao Dill, Junior Minister of Culture and Social Rehabilitation, paid tribute to Dr. Kamarakafego calling him a "national hero" and presented the seniors with Bermuda cedar saplings and the students with Dr. Pauulu's biography, 'Me One'.

"As part of Government's continuing efforts to recognise those Bermudians who have made significant contributions to our Island home, we have assembled here today to pay tribute to late Dr. Pauulu Kamarakafego in a manner fitting to this national hero."

Sen. Dill explained the saplings and book were given in order to raise awareness to sustainable development and renewable energy.

"As we approach the one-year anniversary of the passing of Dr. Pauulu, we should remember that he was deeply committed to the principle of sustainable development.

"This is reflected in his work as an ecological engineer toiling on community, Government and international contracts in rural area of Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Pacific, where he developed and taught techniques to improve the standard of living of the people in those communities", he said.

Sen. Dill continued: "However, in presenting these cedar saplings today, the legacy of this man goes far wider than his ecological beliefs.

"The symbolism of Bermuda's endemic tree represents, in many respects, the enduring national characteristics of Bermudians who wish to strive and pass on the youth principles and values to cherish for the future.

"For centuries the Bermuda cedar has withstood the test of time and has survived with extreme care and nurturing. The same level of care is needed to ensure the youth of Bermuda can continue the legacy set forth by Dr. Pauulu, an inventor who created and protected so present and future generations could be healthy and cared for."

The life and achievements of Dr. Pauulu will be celebrated at a special ceremony on April 3 at the Harbour View Room of the Fairmont Hamilton Princess at 7.30 p.m.

Speakers include Premier Ewart Brown, three overseas speakers including Dr. Acklyn Lynch, a friend and colleague of Dr. Pauulu and Zaid Simmons, a young man who says his life changed when he met Dr. Pauulu.