Birthplace of Alexander Hamilton, 1755 Offices of �HCS

NEVIS HISTORICAL NEVIS HISTORICAL NEVIS HISTORICAL NEVIS HISTORICAL

AND AND AND AND

CONSERVATION SOCIETYCONSERVATION SOCIETYCONSERVATION SOCIETYCONSERVATION SOCIETY

P.O. Box 563 Charlestown, Nevis,

Eastern Caribbean 00109 Caribbean

FIRST CLASS MAIL

April 23 NHCS Launches YouTube Channel

May 18 International Museums Day

June 5 World Environment Day

Early June Visit by WWF International

Early June Monticello & U of Southampton

Archaeology program starts

Mid-June University of Florida –

The President’s Scholar Program

Mid-June San Jose State University Student

Archaeology Program

July-August Culturama

The Journal of The

NNNNEVISEVISEVISEVIS H H H HISTORICALISTORICALISTORICALISTORICAL & C & C & C & CONSERVATIONONSERVATIONONSERVATIONONSERVATION S S S SOCIETYOCIETYOCIETYOCIETY

Mission

The Nevis Historical and Conservation Society exists

to promote effective management of the

historical, cultural and natural resources of the

island of Nevis for the benefit of all of its people.

Issue 82 March-May 2008

Nevis Heritage Centre

Charlestown is undoubtedly one of the most authentic West Indian towns in the Car-ibbean. So let’s look briefly at what its future could hold. From the historic Courthouse at one end, we can amble down past the original Main Street Market with its attractive gingerbread, to the Post Office and Treasury Building, both handsomely reconstructed by the Nevis Island Government. Continuing on we see the charming Cotton Ginnery and the Charlestown pier, re-cently upgraded with vernacular buildings, creating a welcoming sea gateway to our Island. Pass the local produce market area and shops where you see restored historic build-ings or nicely maintained traditional shops. It’s a wonderful friendly place, filled with charming buildings in human scale. Imagine then, on the seafront, the new NEVIS HERITAGE CENTRE, a downtown setting of beautifully-restored buildings with a courtyard and small café. Inside you will find the story of Nevis from its pre-European times, through the challenging days of sugar and slavery, to the contemporary times when tourism stepped in to recreate a vibrant economy. Continued on page 5

The Gathering Baobab Tree

Inside this issue:

Director’s Message 3

Taiwan Bird Watchers 4

Oral History & Patrimony 7

Nevis Turtle Group 8

Nevis Biodiversity Project 11

Insects Protect Themselves 13

Geothermal Power 16

Artist Howard Pain’s conception of what the proposed Nevis Heritage Centre would look like, encompassing the present Hamilton House and Trott House areas

Nevis Historical and Conservation SocietyNevis Historical and Conservation SocietyNevis Historical and Conservation SocietyNevis Historical and Conservation Society

OFFICERS & EXECUTIVE BOARD 2007- 2008 Clara Walters ����������....President Lincoln Hoffman...�...�����.Vice President Jenny Lowery�������...���.Secretary David Robinson�.����...���....Treasurer Arthur Anslyn������...����.Gov. Rep. Shari Maynard���.�...����.. Youth Rep.

Almon Dasent Tessa Howell Ken Evelyn Vince Hubbard Alice Alexis Al Thompson Chris Thompson Morrice Tyrell

Mackie Tross

STAFF John Guilbert����..��...Executive Director Paul Diamond��...�...Senior Technical Officer Gail Dore���.��Ag. Curator for Collections & Museums Gennifer Stephen�....Manager, Museum Shops Assistant Archivist Troylin Evelyn�.....Shop Attendant, Membership Nicholette Walters������.Business Officer

COMMITTEE CHAIRPERSONS Human Resources�������...Alice Alexis Finance���..����..��..Chris Thompson Museums & Archives��.. .�....Marcia Myers Environment ���������.Jenny Lowery, Miriam Knorr, Brother Anslyn Historian��..���..��. Vincent K. Hubbard Preservation & Culture ��...Suzanne Gordon & Gail Dore Marketing��������...Almon Dasent National Trust�������Lincoln Hoffman Policies & Regulations���.John Guilbert

NEWSLETTER

Editor�����..��..���� Paul Diamond General e-mail���....�...nhcs@sisterisles.kn Web Page������.....�.. www.nevis-nhcs.org

NEVIS HISTORICAL NEVIS HISTORICAL NEVIS HISTORICAL NEVIS HISTORICAL

and and and and

CONSERVATION SOCIETYCONSERVATION SOCIETYCONSERVATION SOCIETYCONSERVATION SOCIETY

Low Street, Charlestown P.O. Box 563

Charlestown, Nevis Eastern Caribbean

Tel: 1 (869) 469-5786 Fax: 1 (869) 469-0274 Bellevue (869) 469-0408 Fax: 1 (869) 469-0407

Clara Walters cwalters@nevis-nhcs.org

John Guilbert jguilbert@nevis-nhcs.org

Paul Diamond pdiamond@nevis-nhcs.org

Gail Dore gdore@nevis-nhcs.org

Troylin Evelyn tevelyn@nevis-nhcs.org Gennifer Broadbelt

gbroadbelt@nevis-nhcs.org Nicholette Walters

nwalters@nevis-nhcs.org

2

Are you an American taxpayer? If you are an American taxpayer, you can pay your membership fees and make a donation to the NHCS through NEVKIT, a charitable foundation established in 1986 for American taxpay-ers to support historical and conservation activities in the Eastern Caribbean. Please send your check, payable to NEVKIT with NHCS noted in memo section, for member-ship—cost noted in the box on the left (all but $5 is deductible) and a donation in the amount of $________for total check of $__________to: The NEVKIT FOUNDATION P.O. Box 484 Charlestown, Nevis Eastern Caribbean 00109

FOLLOW THE TRAIL TO FOLLOW THE TRAIL TO FOLLOW THE TRAIL TO FOLLOW THE TRAIL TO THE THE THE THE

NHCS...NHCS...NHCS...NHCS... Become a Member!

You’ll receive: ...Newsletter emailed or snail mail directly to you ...An active voice in Nevis’ environmental future ...Free use of archives and library ...Free admittance to museums ...10% discount on gift shop items ...Staff expertise concerning environmental issues ...Opportunity to become an Executive Board member HOW MUCH does it cost to become a member? ( ) Single Member EC $50.00 (US $20.00) ( ) Family Member EC $75.00 (US $30.00) ( ) Corporate Member EC $400 (US $150.00) ( ) Life Member EC $1350.00 (US $500.00) Plus EC $13.50/US$5.00 for postage outside of Nevis

NAME____________________________________________________________ ADDRESS ________________________________________________________ EMAIL ADDRESS__________________________________________________ CITY______________________________ COUNTRY______________________

You’ll receive an acknowledgement from NEVKIT with our taxpayer identification by return mail.

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WELCOME TO SHOPPE TALK by Gennifer Broadbelt

"Step Into Our Gift Shop And Get The Best Prices On Your Souvenirs Today"

“Education is the key” and I believe that these two books namely: ‘Shelly the Conch and Mangroves-Trees in the Sea’ contributes a lot of knowledge in this area. This book tells the life story of the conch in word and picture. It is a colourful artwork book and is simple written. The story traces Shelly’s life from a drifting baby, (its size being a pinpoint) through to reproduction. Conch pronunciation “konk” is a common name for certain large marine snails, also they are gastropod mollusks. The most commercially of which are in the family “strombidea”. We are specifically concerned about a particular species which is “The Queen Conch or Pink lipped conch, “strombus gigas.” These are what we harvest here on Nevis and the Caribbean. Their shells have overlapping whorls with a bright coloured pink lip, which reaches a length of

twelve to thirteen inches. The operculum is the covering of the shell opening. It is a claw/foot like structure which the conch uses to dig into the sand and thus pushes it self along the bottom of the sea. The conch life span is about twenty-five years and they are plant eaters. Conch is the second best known edible snail and has been a popular food source throughout the Caribbean since the time of the Arawak Indians and before Christopher Columbus. The Arawaks carved the spiral shells into various tools and musical instruments horns. The Conch meat has a mild, sweet clam flavour and can be used to make soups and salads, but it is extremely tough and must be pounded, or marinated in lime juice to tenderized it before cooking. Some of the most common recipes from the conch are: conch fritters, conch chowder, conch steaks and marinated raw conch salad. EC$ 50.00 US$19.00 Mangroves- Trees in the Sea EC$40.00 US$15.00 The author brings to view the spectacular diversity both below and above the water. Beauty in nature is not always obvious, that is why at times we need to stop and take a closer look at our environment. The definition for mangroves is any various tropical evergreen trees or shrubs of the genus Rhizophora, that have stilt-like roots and stems forming dense thickets along tidal shores. Mangroves are trees and shrubs that grow in tropical and subtropical tide lands throughout the world. They grow in areas that are frequently inundated with salt water due to tidal activity of the seas and oceans. They are able to thrive in salt water because of specialized rooting structures, such as: (prop roots and pneumatophores), specialized reproduction (vivipary or live birth), and the ability to exclude or excrete salt. Mangroves grow exclusively in these tidal areas in large stands or groves to where these areas are referred to as their own ecological community. There are four types of Mangroves, these are: Red Mangrove (Rhizophora), Black Mangrove (Avicenniagerminans), White Mangrove (Laguncularia) and Button-wood Mangrove (Conocarpuserectus). Each mangrove has it’s different level of salt tolerance, which in part determines it’s location in tidal zones. The mangrove community is very important in that it is valued for it’s protection and stabilization of low lying coastal lands and the coastal fishery food chains. Mangroves forests protects uplands from storm winds, waves and floods. Mangroves helps to prevent soil erosion by their specialized root systems. Mangroves provide protected nursery areas for fishes, crustaceans and shellfish. Mangroves provide food for a multitude of marine species such as snook, snapper, tarpon, jack, sheep-sherd, red-drum, oys-ters and shrimps. Numerous animals find shelter either in the roots or branches of mangroves. Mangroves serve as rookies, or

nesting areas for our beautiful coastal birds such as, the brown pelican and roseate spoon-bills. Members, remember, you are entitled to 10% discount on purchases! 18 3

COMMITTEES, WHY THEY ARE SO IMPORTANT TO OUR SUCCESS

The dictionary definition of COMMITTEE IS: n. 1. A group of people officially delegated to perform a function, such as investigating, considering, re-porting, or acting on a matter. See Usage Note at collective noun. 2. Archaic A person to whom a trust or charge is committed. I think this is a fair assessment of what we expect from our committees and what we need from them. Staying on top of supporting our mission is not an easy job; nor is it a job that can be done by just a small staff such as ours. The committee concept that we embrace is a key strategy to our success. Six of the eight committees that we em-brace are focused on actions that are critical to-day. The other two are either futuristic (National Trust) or mandated (Policies and Regulations). So, with a membership of approximately 575, we only need to spread our collective skills, interest and dedication in only six areas (the environment, historical preservation, marketing, human re-sources, finance and museums/archives). Sounds easy enough on the surface, but are the commit-tees living out the definition? If not, what will it take to make them successful? Last year we had twelve committees and most performed well, while others never got off the ground. This year we assessed last year’s per-formance and decided to consolidate to the eight committees we have now. It is my hope that each committee meets it goals, as I know it will instill a sense of accomplishment

A message from the A message from the A message from the A message from the

Executive Director Executive Director Executive Director Executive Director

and satisfaction to those people we have en-trusted to do the task. The NHCS as we know it is beginning to make a change. We are faced with new challenges and we seek a new identity as we go forward in the 21st century. We need the collective thinking and energy from all our members and friends to make these transitions and assist us to reach attainable and sustainable mile-stones. We need effective, successful commit-tees to make it all happen. I personally would like to thank all of you who have taken up the challenge serving on one, two, or even three committees because what you do is so important to this organization. All of you who have answered the call to serve will play a very important role as we shape our future. Good luck and thanks!

The NHCS would like to especially thank Mr. Hudson Hoen for making twelve excellent large picture frames for our new displays of paintings, photo-

graphs and posters.

The NHCS recently made very favourable contact with Mrs. Jo Ann Mackenzie, Executive Secretary of The Interna-tional Taiwan Birding Association (ITBA) regarding her organizations recent visit to St. Kitts to establish a variety of ornithological projects including a new bird watchers guide book, a website and dedicated bird watching tour groups from both Taiwan and Europe. Unfortunately Mrs. MacKenzie and the rest of the Taiwanese delegation did not have a chance to visit to visit Nevis, however in subse-quent communications, they have expressed delight at the depth of knowledge and commitment that the NHCS has

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already dedicated towards bird watching activities. This includes the extensive (and rapidly growing) birdwatching pages within our Biodiversity Website (www.bio-diversity-nevis.org), the presence of two local experts among our membership, Jennifer Lowery and Jim Johnson, and the fact that we were able to assure them that a bird thought extinct on St. Kitts was alive and flourishing on Nevis, the Carib Grackle, and identified an unknown butterfly spe-cies. We have high hopes that our new found relationship with the ITBA will continue to grow and flourish in the future.

THE TAIWAN INTERNATIONAL BIRDING ASSOCIATION

BY PAUL DIAMOND

The government of Taiwan wishes to assist the three nations in the Caribbean region with which it has diplomatic relations—Saint Chris-topher and Nevis, Saint Lucia, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines—in promoting birding ecotourism. A project has begun to produce a photographic bird book of most of the native, or regularly occurring, species of each of these three Lesser Antil-lean countries. At present, these countries are lumped together with the rest of the nations of the West Indies in bird books; each country, individually, gets very little mention. The first project began in November, 2007, in St. Lucia. The book, The Birds of Saint Lucia, West Indies, goes to press in late April, 2008. If the newly elected government of Taiwan approves the initiative, work will continue on a book for St. Kitts & Nevis, and another for St. Vincent. A delegation of bird researchers and photographers spent three days on St. Kitts to begin to explore the birdlife there. The delegation was headed by Taiwan Legislator Mrs. Chiu-chin Tien, Chairperson of the Taiwan Sustainable Ecology Soci-ety. Others in the delegation were Mr. Shih-ching Simon Liao, Chairman of the International Taiwan Birding Association and former Vice Chair for Asia of BirdLife International; Mrs. Jo Ann MacKenzie, Executive Secretary, ITBA (Canada); Mr. Ching-kan Chung and Ms. Ching-ching Chen, Formosa TV; Mr. Hsu-kai Chen, Liberty Times (newspaper); Ms. Shu-ching Wu, sec-retary; and Mr. Maw-nan Lin. Birding and photographic activities during the delegation’s brief stay on St. Kitts were facili-tated by Mr. Greg Pereira, of St. Kitts.

Seated, L to R: Jo Ann MacKenzie, Taiwan Ambassador John Liu, the Honourable Den-zil Douglas, Prime Minister; Legislator Chiu-chin Tien. Standing, L to R: Greg Pereira, Shih-ching Simon Liao, Ms. Shu-ching Wu, Mr. Hsu-kai Chen, Ms. Ching-ching Chen, Mr. Maw-nan Lin, Mr. Ching-kan Chung.

NHCS MEMBERS ATTEND INT’L CONFERENCES

BY MIRIAM KNORR

17

NHCS Members, Miriam and Greg Knorr attended the Ocean Conservancy’s Coastal Cleanup Conference held in Montego Bay, Jamaica, from April 22 to April 25. The conference‘s theme was “Start a Sea Change: A Day at the Beach becomes a Year-Round Movement.” Presentations were made from several countries on “Campaigns that Teach,” results for the 2007 Coastal Cleanup were announced, media and year-round messaging were addressed and representatives from several large corporations spoke about how their companies are helping to fight pollution. A special session trained coordinators in the new online data reporting system, which Greg Knorr will implement after the 2008 cleanup in September. Many old friends were reunited and many new contacts were initiated. The Knorrs feel rejuvenated and ready to plan this year’s Coastal Cleanup, scheduled for Saturday, September 20.

In early March, Paul Diamond, the NHCS Senior Technical Officer represented the society at a week long international con-ference on Climate Change sponsored by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) in San Francisco, California. 160 delegates attended the meeting from more than 30 countries. The conference was extremely productive with many new friendships and valuable contacts being made between the NHCS and several environmental organizations. In addition, the NHCS was eligible to submit details of some of their current projects for possible funding and support by the WWF organization and others. Particular interest was shown in the society's unique Biodiversity and Oral History Projects, resulting in offers of technical support and advice for both project being offered. Specifically, the WWF's Marine Turtle Project wants to expand its scope into the Eastern Caribbean and is eager to help the NHCS in setting up a pilot project on Nevis. We look forward to working with them and the Nevis Turtle Group in getting this project started soon. In addition, the WWF-Internationals' Climate Witness Project has established a partnership with the NHCS to become ac-tively involved in this new global media project. In fact the Program's Manager, Ms. Claire Carlton will be paying Nevis a personal visit for several days in early June, from her office in Sydney, Australia. We look forward to welcoming Ms. Carlton to Nevis and showing her just how committed the society and indeed the people of Nevis are in studying and preserving the

NHCS Represented in San Francisco at WWF Conference

Special Thanks to Gill Firth and family for creating a great billboard for the NHCS booth at this years Agricultural Show!

NHCS SUPPORTS NEVIS SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT WITH A MAJOR GRANT FOR RECYCLING! In support of the Nevis Solid Waste Management Authority, the Nevis His-torical & Conservation Society has obtained a grant for EC$112, 000.00 from the Canadian Fund (CIDA) which is based in Barbados. The funds will be used to help pay for equipment that will bale old tires, package plastic bottles and cardboard. This machine will enable the Solid Waste facility to package these items for shipment to other Caribbean destinations that recycle these items. General Manager of Solid Waste Management, Carlyn Lawrence, will purchase the equipment with the funds provided by NHCS. This is not the first time that the two organizations have teamed up. The NHCS facilitated another grant for a waste oil incinerator with the support from the British High Commission in 2004. And, the groups work and partner on major island clean up campaigns annually.

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GEOTHERMAL POWER FOR NEVIS? BY PAUL DIAMOND

In early March NHCS staffers, John Guilbert and Paul Diamond were given a tour of Site 1, of the new Geothermal drilling operation at Spring Hill above Cades Bay. The tour was conducted by Dr. Kerry McDonald, manager of West Indies Power (Nevis) Ltd. Dr. McDonald explained that his company has actually discovered 5 possible sites for geothermal drilling on Nevis, and this one was just the first and most promising site that they are drilling. After several weeks of drilling they had probed down more than 2,000 feet and were almost within range of the temperature required to effi-ciently use for geothermal power generation. Basically, the process involves drilling down along a volcanic fault, such as the one that extends from the caldera of Mt. Nevis, down the mountain and out 2 miles or more offshore via Cades Bay. The drill has to hit a large layer of superheated water, that turns in-stantly into steam when the drill penetrates its layer. This steam is then piped up to the surface under great pressure and is used to turn turbines, which generate vast amounts of power. The water, now much cooler, is then re-pumped back down to the hot layer, via a 2nd bore hole. This ensures that the water

layer is not depleted over time, and eliminates the need for large holding ponds of chemically toxic and malodorous water, that plagued earlier geothermal ventures in other parts of the world. Dr. McDonald explained that Nevis uses about 8-10 Megawatts of power per day, and if Site 1 of his project goes as planned it should produce somewhere between 20 and 90 megawatts. In addition if the 4 other prospective sites also meet expected yields, then Nevis has the potential to produce perhaps as much as 900 Megawatts of Power. This is enough electricity to supply most of the islands of Eastern Caribbean via as yet to laid undersea cables. Once they hit the correct temperature at Site 1, the next step would be to ship in the actual generator equipment, and that would indicated that the project was economi-cally feasible. Construction had already started at Site 2 in the Belmount Estate area above Bar-nes Ghaut by end of March. If even Site 1 is successful to the extent expected by Dr. McDonald, then Nevis can look forward to be probably the first island in the world to non-dependant on fossil fuels, and with the current surge in global oil prices, that could mean great things for the people of Nevis, our economy and our environment. We will keep you posted as to developments in the next issue.

This is only the test drilling rig, the actual production drilling unit is several times larger

NHCS Executive Director, John Guilbert talks to Dr. Kerry McDonald, Manager of

West Indies Power (Nevis) Ltd.

This new interactive educational centre will help prepare Nevis students for the future in helping them understand their past and the natural world they inherited. Visitors, who are keenly interested in Hamilton and Nelson, will find much more there with new exhibits, new artefacts, in a new venue—a historical complex created on the grounds where Alexander Hamilton was born and lived as a child. This com-plex would carefully combine the stone Hamilton House with the adjacent wooden structure to form a campus dedicated to Nevis’ multi-faceted heritage.

This is the vision that was shared by past-president Marcia Myers at the February 2008 Annual General Meeting. Marcia actually conducted a power point presentation on the concept of the creation of the NEVIS HERITAGE CENTRE. She asked the general membership at this meeting for permission to pursue a study on the feasibility of such a project. The general membership gave its consent; however, it was not unanimous. The idea is born out of the need for space to enhance our museums, offices and upgrade exhibits that are very tired. Along with the new Alexander Hamilton exhibit, donated by the USA State Department, it seems a natural step to getting us the space and location we need to further develop the Society. It also fits with our mandate of providing for cultural development and historical preservation. If you would like a copy of the NHC Case Statement just send us back an email and we will forward it to you. Presently, there is a steering committee dedicated to doing a feasibility study on the purchase of the Trott House, which is adjacent to the Hamilton House. The committee has conducted meetings/receptions (at no cost to us) with a wide variety of Nevis residents and citizens, presenting the concept. The results have been very favourable. In fact we have a combination of cash donations, pledges and assets of USD$607,500.35, all of which is kept in a restricted fund. One of the guiding princi-ples of this research is that we must have the support from local Nevisians as well as ex-pats before we can say that this is what we will do. We are seeking a commitment from every board member to make a pledge to the project. The Steering Committee members consist of Suzanne Gordon, John Guilbert, Lincoln Hoffman, Marcia Myers, David Robin-son, Al Thompson, Chris Thompson, Clara Walters and Carol Willauer. A monetary value appraisal has been conducted on the property along with three professional engineering appraisals – all of which are favourable for us to continue with our study. We unofficially have until the end of 2008 to reach a final conclusion/decision, so that we can present it for member-ship approval at the February 2009 AGM. We need your help as members of the Society as we go forward. Please send your ideas, thoughts and comments, and let

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NEVIS HERITAGE CENTRE PROPOSED (cont’d from frontpage)

The NHCS Establishes its own Online Video Channel

In our ongoing battle to keep up with, and make use of new and emerging technology and media, the NHCS is pleased to announce it has started its own dedicated Video Channel on YouTube at... www.youtube.com/user/NevisHistorical Though still in its very early stage of development, the video channel will eventually feature short videos demonstrating many aspects and facets of our various ongoing projects and special events. The site will be updated regularly and we hope you will give it a view and let us know what you think. (left: John Guilbert, welcomes viewers to the NHCS Channel)

ARCHIVAL ACTION By Gail Dore, Ag. Curator, collections & Museum

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The Nature and range of the educational role of museums have changed dramatically over the years. Museums are no longer limited in providing specific education for children or adults, the educational role of museums has widen to include events, interactive displays, workshops, and even resource and training centers. We continue to acquire new documents for our Archives and Specialized Library Collection. A very special thank you is extended to those persons who continue to contribute towards the growth and development of our collection. - Joan Mc Murray – The Carriacou Mas’ as Syncretic Artifacts (article) by Joan McMurray & Joan M. Fayer. Evangelism and West Indian Folk plays: Giant Despair, David and Goliath and the West Indian Tea Meeting by Joan McMurray. The English Mummers and the West Indian Bully Play by Joan McMurray. Folk Performances and West Indian History “Redcross” and “Mussoline” and “Selassie”. Islands in Bewteen (Saint Kitts and Nevis) and Giant Despair in Nevis (dvds). - Lewis Knudsen and Joan Robinson - The Gorgeous Isles by Gertrude Atherton. Reptiles and amphibians ( a guide to fa-miliar American species) by Herbert S. Zim, Ph.d - NHCS Gift Shop- In Pursuit of Sovereignty by Wakely Daniel. - Vincent Hubbard – Nevis and St. Christopher’s 1782-1784 (unpublished documents) by Arthur P. Watts. The Gorgeous Isles by Gertrude Artherton. The 1706 Attack on Nevis. - Photographs: view of Charlestown pier, Courthouse and Library, St. Johns Church, Charlestown with CSS in view, Cliff Dwellers, Pinney Beach, Alexander Hospital and Nelson’s Spring, - Lornette Hanley – Museum and Gallery Education By Eilean Hooper –Greenhill. Collecting Contemporary Pratice by Susan Pearce. Care of Collections by Simon Knell. Collection Management by Anne Fahy. Museum Media Message by Eilean Hooper-Greenhill. Museum Provision and Professionalism by Gaymor Kavanagh. A Deaccession Reader by Stephen E. Weil.

The NHCS in association with the St. Kitts and Nevis National Commission for UNESCO established the Nevis Oral History Project to collect, record and preserve materials related to Nevis’ “Oral History and Verbal Patrimony” in December 2007 The goal of the project is to make a permanent record of the triumphs, the contribution and the general observations and life experiences of our older citizens, so that they and their contributions will not be forgotten, but rather be preserved for poster-ity. UNESCO provided a grant of $20,000 USD to supply equipment for the establishment of The Nevis Oral History Resource Centre, which when completed will consist of a small but fully functional documentary film studio and editing suite, capable of producing commercial DVD's of the videos filmed as part of the overall project goals. This facility will be housed in a dedi-cated area of the Museum of Nevis History. In Addition, we also hope to have an integrated still photography section with associated workshops and seminars, specifi-cally to impart professional photographic skills to local students. On of the first projects we hope to launch over the coming weeks, is to start conducting video interviews with Nevisians con-cerning the Christina Disaster of August 1st, 1970, where 236 people perished. We hope to record the recollections of survivors, family members of victims, and those who conducted the search, rescue and recovery operations. These memories will be collected and edited into a documentary DVD and stored permanently in the Nevis Archives. Continued on page 7

NEVIS ORAL HISTORY PROJECT TAKES SHAPE

BY PAUL DIAMOND

HOW INSECTS PROTECT THEMSELVES (cont’d from page 14)

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Others give off some chemical warning, for example, Harvestmen or “Daddy Long Legs” give off a noxious odour from glands in their cephalothorax. Stink bugs are another common example. Finally, some insects appear larger than they are. The spider Mesabolivar aurantiacus does this by whirling (Sewlal 2005). This means that it swings its body around in a circle while holding onto the web with its legs to the point where it looks like a blur. Many tarantulas do this by holding up their first pair of legs when they feel threatened. Besides avoiding the predator or running away from it some species goes so far as to occupy another time of day by becom-ing nocturnal. This lifestyle exposes them to fewer predators. The spitting spider Scytodes sp. which often inhabits rocky outcrops along trails is such a species. Many insects employ multiple defence tactics, rather than rely on one. Most insects have a pretty tough exoskeleton. The millipede or “congoree” rolls itself into a spiral when provoked, however if constantly provoked it will release a noxious chemi-cal. Some take preventative measures like the wasp Mischycttarus alkeni rub an ant-repellant on the long stalk of their nest to protect their young. References Brower, L.P. and Brower, J.V.Z. 1965. Experimental studies of mimicry. 8. Further investigation of honeybees (Apis mellifera) and their dronefly mimics (Eristalis spp.) Am. Nat., 99, 173-187. Edmunds, M. 1974. Defence in Animals. Essex: Longman.

Archaeology Teams to Visit Nevis by Paul Diamond

Once again Nevis and the NHCS is pleased to kick off the summer Archaeological Season by welcoming back two teams to the island to continue their ongoing research. Coming back are Dr. Marco Meniketti and his team of about a dozen staff and students from San Jose State University in San Francisco, who will be continuing their excavations at the Bush Hill Sugar Mill Site, with the generous support of Lincoln Hoffman and the Montpelier Estate. Dr. Meniketti has been a regular visitor to Nevis for many years now and has conducted digs at several sites around the is-

land, and recently published a paper on his Nevis excavations entitled "Sugar Mills, Technology, and Environmental Change: A Case Study of Agro-Industrial Development in the Caribbean" for The Journal of the Society of Industrial Archaeology. Also returning this year are Dr. Jillian Galle, Dr. Roger Leech, Dr. Robert Philpott and Dr. Fraser Nieman, from The Digital Archaeological Archive of Comparative Slavery, The Uni-versity of Southampton and the National Museums Liver-pool, who will be conducting excavations at The New River Slave Village Site. Again this team has a long history of work-ing on Nevis and we look forward to welcoming them back. Both archaeological teams welcome community input and visits to their excavations by school groups and others from within the community. Talks and lectures to community groups can also be arranged.

San Jose University archaeology students Alfonso & Christine work on the Bush Hill Field School in

August ‘07

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HOW INSECTS & ARACHNIDS PROTECT THEMSELVES

BY JO-ANNE SEWLAL, DEPT OF LIFE SCIENCES, UNIVERSITY OF THE WEST INDIES

Animals like all living things need to have some form of defence if they are to survive. The mechanisms animals use can be placed into two categories depending on when it is used. A mechanism used always, such as, spines which the animal will have before and during an attack can be considered a primary defence mechanism. However, mechanisms only used during an attack, for example, the release of noxious gas in stink bugs, are considered secondary defense mechanisms. Some primary defense mechanisms include being poisonous and advertising it to predators. Most poisonous insects use bright colours like the Pan African colours; red, orange and black to display their toxicity to predators. A common example is the Frangipani hawk moth (Pseudosphinx tetrio). Colours are not the only advertising mark, fine hairs like those possessed by many species of caterpillars and tarantulas (called utriculating hairs). Camouflage is a common primary defense mechanism employed by many animals. Batesian mimicry can be regarded as another form of camouflage (Edmunds 1974). Some insects mimic other more poisonous members of their genera? And even another order. Butterflies are common examples where some mimic the unpalatable monarch (Danaus sp.).Colour pat-tern is not the only quality mimicked. Spiders particularly of the families Corinnidae and Clubionidae mimic ants. In this case the segment between their cephalothorax and abdomen is constricted to give the impression of the narrow “waist” seen in ants. Some species also extend their second pair of legs forward while walking to resemble antennae. Toads avoid eating bees and droneflies that buzz but consume their wingless counterparts which do not a buzzing sound (Brower & Brower 1965). Some insects even mimic inedible objects like the stick insect (Bostra sp.) which as its common name suggests imi-tates small dry twigs, and katydids and praying mantises like Acanthops falcata which imitates leaves. Some spiders of the family Thomisidae mimic bird droppings. Some insects do the opposite and try to stand out by using fancy body adornments like spines along the border of the abdo-men, for example the spider Gasteracantha cancriformis or along its legs like T. cristata. Some insects have special appendages to deter predators, like gin traps on the larval stage of some beetles of the families: Dermestidae, Dryopidae, Cerambycidae, Scarabaeidae and Tenebrionidae. These are found between the segments and are basically slits lined with teeth which repeatedly open and close when pressure is applied near to them. This results in legs being pinched a few times, which is an experience not to be quickly forgotten by the predator. Most likely this is in defense against attacks from predatory mites, beetles and ants (Edmunds 1974). Secondary defense mechanisms include the use of a mechanism called flash colouration, by the large grasshopper Tropi-dacris cristata whose wings are a bright red while the rest of it is tan. When aggravated by a predator it will take flight expos-ing these red wings. This is enough to startle predators, giving the grasshopper time to find a new spot and put away its con-spicuous wings. Now the predator is confused because it has to change its search image it was not be looking for an insect with red wings. Some insects leave body parts being like legs which can be regenerate. Some social hymenopterans like ants, wasps and bees autotomize their stings however, if there is no regeneration of the body part the insect will die (Edmunds 1974). Social insects like bees, ants and wasps are intriguing in that they do not only protect themselves but their colony. If one member is killed it releases a pheromone attracting other member of the colony to attack the predator and keep it from the colony. Some use trickery in the form of deflection marks. Such tricksters include some members of the butterfly family Lycaenidae which have thin extensions from the tips of their hind wings which resemble antennae. The Caligo butterfly (Teucer sp.?), also uses deflection marks in the form of two large eye-spots on either one of its hind wings. The predator thinking that it is the head of prey will bite and get a mouthful of wings. This gives the butterfly enough time to escape. Thanatosis is a fancy word for “playing dead”. Spiders would dangle from their webs on a dragline and when the danger has passed pull themselves back onto the web. Beetles would lie on their backs motionless and flip over and walk away when the predator has gone.

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NEVIS ORAL HISTORY PROJECT (CONT’D FROM PAGE 6)

The Nevis Turtle Group was formed in 2003. However, monitoring ef-forts had started since 2001 when hawksbill tracks were seen at Gar-ling Bay, Stock Pen Estate in December 2008. The nest was monitored until the eggs were hatched. The low success rate was one of the fac-tors that prompted further research. Preliminary surveys were done during the daytime in 2002 to identify the main nesting beaches on the island. Having found out that the main nesting beach was Lovers or Seahaven Beach night patrols commenced there. The Rufford Small Grants Foundation is assisting sea turtle conserva-tion efforts on Nevis in 2008 with a grant of £5000.00. Already the Ne-vis Turtle Group has launched a poster competition for children aged 16 years and under. Children should draw a poster of a turtle on A4 paper and hand it in to the Department of Fisheries by May 30th 2008. Chil-dren can choose an appropriate background for the poster. The group also held a quiz competition on 24th and 25th of May 2008 at the Agri-cultural Fair held at the Charlestown Secondary School grounds (the Villa). Continued on page 11

Sea Turtle Conservation Plans for the Nevis Turtle Group BY EMILE PEMBERTON

Another very exciting development in the Oral History project is that we have begun an association with The World Wildlife Fund-International (WWF) and we are pleased to announce our forth coming participation in their new International ‘Climate Witness’ Programme. (google 'Climate Witness' for details) Climate Witness, is collecting videos from individuals around the world, including Nevis who are experiencing the impacts of climate change. The videos are then shared on the WWF web-site and on YouTube at www.youtube.com/climatewitness. In addition a documentary for international television may be produced using this footage. The NHCS is contributing to this project by video interviewing selected older members of our community, such as fishermen, farmers, and craftsmen and recording how climate change has adversely affected their lives and livelihoods over the past sev-eral decades. This process has already begun and will be ex-panded over the coming weeks. The results of these interviews will be also be posted on the Nevis Oral History website (www.nevisoralhistory.org) and will also ultimately used to compile our own broadcast quality documentary DVD. Nevis in Film and Photos: The Nevis Oral History project also seeks to record and preserve any old photos or home movies of Nevis - just bring them into our office. Want to become involved? The Nevis Oral History Project is always looking for volunteers to assist with us with our projects. If you have an expertise or an interest in video production, photography, or documentary film making etc, please let us know.

Huey, one of the Nevis nesting turtles radio tagged by the Nevis Turtle Group leaves the Beach at Four

Seasons

Almon Dasent and crew interview Mr. Owen Busseu about his life for the Nevis Oral History and Climate Witness Projects

RECENT USERS OF OUR ARCHIVES

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Names Address Materials Used Fredrick Jones Nevis St. Christopher & Nevis Independence Magazine Fr. Alric Francis Nevis St. James Baptismal Records Fr. Ernest Flemming Nevis St. Pauls Baptismal Records Carolyn Dore Nevis Kittian Gallery by Victoria Borg Lofton Hull UK Huggins Family Tree Eric Condliffe UK The Petrology of Nevis, Leeward Is. By C. Hutton Joan McMurray Puerto Rico Red Cross – folk Play, Charles Walters – copy of “When President Roosevelt Died” Jenny Lowery Nevis Soil and water Conservation by Atkins Land & Water Management Peter Duncombe Australia Caribbeana and Church Records Jo-Anee Sewlal Trinidad Local musical Instruments Claude Romney Anguilla Charlestown Methodist Church & St. Pauls Records Bill Pinney USA Charlestown Pier Sooty Byron Nevis Small Island Large Questions by Karen Olwig Vanessa Hendrickson Nevis The fife Lornette Webbe Nevis Simeon Daniel Maria Fonter USA St. Johns Parish Records Shaniela Skette Nevis/GSS From Columbus to Castro Kendra Pemberton Nevis/GSS Caribbean Story Book 2 Chelsea Maynard Nevis/GSS Castro’s Final Hour Katherine Price USA Huggins Family Romel Gaskin Nevis/CSS Nevis History Gracia Browne Nevis/Teacher Sugar and Slavery Nikesia Pemberton Nevis/GSS The People Who Came Book 3 Carrie Bussue Nevis Earthquake in Nevis Lorna Busse Nevis/GSS James Town Judith Dore Nevis James Town Verencia Maynard Nevis/GSS James Town Jefferey Ryan USA Hanley Family

A Warm Welcome Our New Members:

Judy & Neil Smith USA William P. & Helen Delaney USA David Barnum USA

Gavin & Carol Cochrane Nevis Tracy & Sean Wilby Nevis Gregory Devries Nevis Morris Tyrell Nevis

Looking Back

The Leeward Islands Blue 1906-07 states that the magistrate was allowed to live in Queens House rent free. Queens House was the resi-dence of the Governor and is now the site of the

Alexander Hospital.

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CLIMBING MOUNT LIAMUIGA IN THE 1720’S

One of the first listing of Natural Resources for Nevis and St. Kitts took place in the early 1720’s by a Reverend Wil-liam Smith who at the time of writing was the Anglican priest for St. John's Parish, Nevis. The following is an ex-cerpt from his book ‘Natural History of Nevis’ describing a day trip to the very top of Mt. Liamuiga on St. Kitts. ...After having rested us about two or three times from the Woodside where we quitted our horses, we at last with fatigue enough arrived at the top. Many clouds were at least half a mile beneath our feet then, and as soon as they blew away, was opened to us a lovely view of the lower Woods, Plantations, Houses, and Gardens; besides an unbounded Prospect of the Atlantick Ocean, and the Eng-lish Island of St. Bartholomew at a great distance. The top was a small Plain not three hundred yards wide, that besides long deadish coloured Grass, produced noth-ing at all but here and there a diminutive Bush, whose Boughs we found upon trial to be wondrous brittle and in-clining to Rottenness, and having its Leaves of a dull and faded green; all of which was no doubt occasioned by the Inclemency of Air, and Coldness (and of course Badness) of Soil in that upper Region. Upon the other side of this top in our journey up that side of the Mountain may be distinctly seen in a clear day the Islands of Nevis, Montserrat, Eusta-chia and Saba. This Plain ended at the Verge of a vast and deep Cavity, which I shall now describe in the easiest and best method my parts and memory will allow of. This Cavity seems by the eye about a Mile in circumference, is exactly round, and the inside as steep as could be descended into, and that not without the help of the Shrubs and Bushes growing in it, and but in two places only. I looked down into it with Horrour, observing large and con-tinual Clouds of Steam to arise up from the hot Veins of Sulphur, Brimstone, &c, with which the bottom of it every where abounded. The inside of this prodigious Cavity (for at least half way downwards) was solid rock overrun with very short blackish Moss; and the Rim at Top, except in that part of it which joyned to and indeed made part of the plain,

was not above twenty, or perhaps in one or two places scarce ten yards wide. But let us proceed on our Journey. We kept on in a very steep descent down thorough this Wood of Cabbage-trees &c, quite to the bottom of a huge afore mentioned Cavity, which led us into an uneven spot of ground, consisting of thirty Acres and upwards. At our entrance (close by on our right hand) was an ex-ceeding large Rock that weighed many tuns, jetting out of the side of the Hill; and at the bottom part of this Rock, were three or four round holes in the Earth, full as wide as my Hat crown, out of which issued fast very hot steams (like the Smoak out of Chimnies,) that tinged the holes all about their Edges with seemingly very fair Brimstone: And to speak our thoughts ingenuously, we did not care to come nearer them than six or seven yards, least the ground should prove to hollow, as to sink in and bury us before we were dead. Our first entrance upon this uneven spot was by crossing a little plain which was so sulphureous that it would bear nothing but deadish coloured long Grass or rather Weeds, with a few short, and brittle, or rottenish Bushes: At last we arrived at what is vulgarly called The Devil's Coppers on the hill side; there were two or three of them, two yards asunder from each other in an almost direct line, and they were each three foot in diameter; we had no convenience for plumming them; however they seemed not to be very deep, and had but a small stream running from them, which looses itself among the long Grass. The Water in them was of a mud colour, and rose to within a foot of the surface of the ground, boiling fiercer than ever I saw a Sugar Copper, and sending up very strong Clouds of Steam into the Air; no kind of Grass would grow within twelve yards of them, the Soil being wholly Sulphur, and so excessive hot, that we immediately perceived it to be warm, through thick Shoes that we had bought on purpose for this expedition.

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VISITOR VOLUNTEERS AT NHCS

BY DEBORAH FREYER

I spent the week of April 28th, volunteering with the Nevis Historical and Conservation Society. Having just come out of a Corporate job in NY, I found it very refreshing. I divided my time between a grave stone survey and documentation of shingle houses. I myself, enjoyed the documenting of shingle houses as it gave me the opportunity to see so much of the island and photograph it. This was my first trip to Nevis and I really wanted to see it all from a "local", non-tourist view. Gail Dore and I were able to visit and take over 250 pictures of these houses and we probably only put a small dent in the total number of shingle houses on the island. I especially enjoyed meeting some of the wonderful own-ers, one being Ms. Emily Pemberton. She was very wel-coming, inviting me into her home and allowing me to photograph it and her. She got quite a thrill out of then seeing the pictures on the digital camera (I'll be sure to get some printed and sent to her). I also got to spend a little time with Gennifer Broadbelt look-ing at the methods used to keep track of such things as admissions, sales of gift shop items, donations, and mem-berships. A future desire, is to upgrade to an integrated

Nevis Biodiversity Project (continued from page 11)

In addition we also have another funding application under consideration by the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) to provide equipment for the proposed biodiversity lab, to be house at the Museum of Nevis History. Initial feed back from CIDA has been extremely positive, and we have high hopes that our funding will be granted before the end of this month (May). With funding available for both training and equipment, the Nevis Biodiversity Pro-ject will really be kicked into high gear, and will hopefully become a model for other islands within the region. Right: A local butterfly species recently identified by Nevis Biodiversity Project members, Jim Johnson and Jenny Lowery at the request of the International Tai-wan Birding Association

system that would feed into the accounting systems thus eliminating all kinds of manual tasks. I want to thank John, Gail, Gennifer and Paul for making me feel so welcomed. It was a pleasure working with the NHCS and I'm hoping to be back when the weather turns cold once again in New York. They have some ambitious goals, so I know there will be plenty of work left for me!

Volunteer Deborah Freyer documenting one of Nevis’s rapidly dis-appearing traditional shingled chattel houses

The Gulf Frittlairy (Heliconid flambeau) Butterfly, known locally as the “Flambé.”

In 2001 we were lucky enough to be able to take our first holiday in Nevis. It didn’t take us long to realise that we wanted to be involved in a task on the island. With our expertise in marine ecology and seabed mapping a project concerning the marine environment seemed the obvious choice. In 2003 we approached John Guilbert at the NHCS who put us in touch with Brother Anslyn, the island’s Director of Fisheries, and Barbara Whitman from Under-the-Sea-Nevis. Together we devised a project which could provide a vital role in the development of knowl-edge and conservation of the island’s precious marine habitats and species: to produce a map of the biology of the seabed. Evidence of the distribution and extent of the different marine habitats, such as sea-grass beds and coral reefs, in the form of a map, would provide the fundamental information on which to base future management of the coastal waters of Nevis. In the con-text of climate change, increasing tourism and development, and with a proposal for a St Kitts and Nevis ‘Marine Protected Area’ already laid before the Federal Government - the time seemed to be right.

The first survey took place in April 2005. The Oualie Hotel kindly provided our ac-commodation, and the Nevis Government gave huge support by supplying the use of the Air and Sea Ports Authority patrol boat (together with its excellent skipper, Captain Parke) as the survey vessel. Using our specialist echo-sounding and cam-era equipment we were able to map a large part of ‘The Narrows’ area between St Kitts and Nevis. This involved (a) ‘tracking’ to and fro over the surface of the sea to obtain soundings (‘readings’) of the nature (depth, roughness and hardness) of the seabed, (b) checking or ‘ground-truthing’ the information using an underwater cam-era system, and subsequently (c) analysing the data, using Geographic Information System (GIS) software, to produce a map of the seabed. The work has given a good indication of the rich and diverse nature of sea around Nevis. The map has made it possible to identify the whereabouts of the key habitat types (e.g. sea-grass beds, sea-fan ‘gardens’) and the areas which are likely to be vulnerable (e.g. species-rich coral reef). This kind of information is crucial for the

proper management of the island’s sea area. With increasing numbers of boats visiting the island and needing to anchor up, for instance, decisions need to be made about minimising damage to important seabed habitats. Moorings are the obvious answer, but where should they be placed? Furthermore, sea-grass beds, which are important nursery grounds for over-exploited commercial species, such as Conch and Lobster, will need to be protected. Firstly, we need to know where they are. Tourism and recreational activity at sea, such as diving and snorkelling, is also increasing. How are these to be man-aged to ‘show off’ the island to best advantage without detriment to its marine life? By creating activity ‘zones’ relating to the seabed habitats it is possible to locate potentially damaging activities away from the rare and vulnerable sites. The map also provides a benchmark from which to monitor change (resulting e.g. from climate change and hurricanes) over the years and gives a focus for marine education and research. We continued the field work earlier this year, extending the survey area southwards towards the deep water port. The ex-posed east coast will present more of a challenge. Nevis undoubtedly has an important and exciting marine environmental heritage; there is a huge amount to discover. We have been back to the island annually since our first visit and we hope for more opportunities to do our bit. 9

MAPPING THE NEVIS SEABED

BY BOB & JUDY FOSTER-SMITH

One of the many 3D underwater maps of ‘The Narrow’ made by the Foster-Smiths using GIS technology

Bob & Judy liked working on Nevis so much they recently bought a home here, so the NHCS looks forward to working

with them on future projects

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LANDSCAPING WITH NATIVE PLANTS

BY JENNY LOWERY

Using native plants in landscaping is often recommended for a variety of reasons. Once planted in an environment similar to their native habitat, indigenous species need less mainte-nance as they usually require less water and less pest control than non-natives. One overlooked native Nevis, shrub is Capparis flexu-osa, whose common name in Nevis is “Bottle Cod“, and common names elsewhere are “Rat Bean” and “Bay Leaved Caper”. This lowly unassuming plant, usually classed as a weed, is found growing in hedgerows at lower elevations throughout Nevis. In its vegetative form it usually doesn’t merit a second glance, tending to sprawl and tangle amongst other growth. However, with little or no attention it can become an asset to the garden by producing spectacular flowers, fragrance, interesting seedpods and acting as a focus for clouds of butterflies, plus, yet another interesting feature of this plant is its’ use in traditional medicine. A tea made from the leaves of these plants is used in traditional medicine in Nevis to improve Prostate health. It is attributed with the prevention of Prostate cancer in some individuals. A quick search of the internet did not come up with any reference to C.flexuosa or any other Capparis species being used or investigated for potential use in therapies elsewhere. Perhaps it now should be brought to the attention of research teams already screening a range of other natural products for their efficacy? The photograph shows its flower with a young seedpod in the background. In the young plants the leaves are longer and narrow, as the plant matures the leaves produced are wider and more oval shaped. Flowering is most profuse after a rainy period. The flowers when they appear are quite spec-tacular and fragrant, white to cream in colour, with numerous stamens extending up to two inches be-yond the petals. The fruit is a long pod around six inches long, which splits and twists when ripe, ex-posing the white seeds in a scarlet pulp.

Butterflies: Capparis flexuosa is a host species for the caterpillar of the “Florida White” butterfly Appias Drusilla shown in the photo-graph. Not surprisingly, the natural range for this butterfly is identical with that of C.flexuosa. The caterpillars feed on the leaves of Capparis at night or on cloudy days, pupate on the plant, and then emerge as the adult butterflies, which singly are not very noticeable. Both male and female are mainly white, about 2.5ins in wingspan, the male having a narrow edging of black on the forewing. The female has a wider black edging to the wing plus some yellow on the hindwing. Their attractive-ness in the garden is more when dozens have emerged and form flit-

ting clouds in sunlit areas. In Nevis these butterflies were observed in naturally occurring large num-bers in November after heavy rains, and in fewer numbers in March. So far no attempt has been made to manage the populations.

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THE NEVIS TURTLE GROUP (CONTINUED FROM PAGE 7)

On May 3rd 2008 the group plans to conduct a cleanup of sea turtle nesting beaches on the island to welcome the sea turtles of Nevis back to clean beaches. Throughout the year the group plans to extend night patrols to beaches other than the index beach (Lovers Beach). Student volunteers will be sourced for these efforts. The group also plans to bus as many persons as possible to the nesting beaches in order to educate them about sea turtle conservation on the island and to build general awareness about the sea turtles of Nevis. A number of quiz competitions will be held and already talk shows have been hosted by the Nevis turtle Group to dis-cuss sea turtle conservation. More activities will be announced as the year progresses and there are attractive prizes to be won. (right: Green Turtle hatchlings on Lovers Beach)

NEVIS BIODIVERSITY PROJECT LEAPS FORWARD

BY PAUL DIAMOND

The Nevis Biodiversity Project (www.bio-diversity-nevis.org) continues to grow and expand with new sections on the ‘Birds of Nevis’ recently having been added as well as another devoted to native butterflies currently under construction. In addition, we have recently been informed that a funding application to the British High Commission on Antigua has been approved for the project. The funding will be used to provide technical expertise and skills training for selected local high school students, in the fields of website design and management, GIS survey and mapping, photography, videography and a host of other scientific and technical skills. The grant also includes paying students an hourly stipend to encourage their participation in the project. The project training will commence when school breaks for the summer.

A major part of the biodiversity project concerns utilizing the latest in mapping, surveying and computer modeling technology, a discipline known as Geographical Information Systems (GIS). This technique involves using GPS units and computer software to create extremely accu-rate maps of specific areas, such as beaches, wetlands, forests, even coral reefs. The data thus collected can then be used to create maps and construct computer models so you can see how perhaps beaches or coral reefs have eroded over recent years. GIS skills are very much in demand globally in natural resources management, agriculture, urban planning and numerous areas of environmental science. For this reason, the NHCS has also approached The Florida Association of Volunteer Ac-tion in the Caribbean and the Americas (FAVACA) to fund sending a GIS expert down from the States to give the biodiversity students a week or so class and field training in the technology. This training will be taking place in mid-July, and will be taught by Dr. Beverly Ward from the Environmental Science and Policy Program at the University of South Flor-ida. This is an exciting development and is perhaps even a unique experience for high school students within the Caribbean. Continued on page 12

A recent Ikonos Satellite shot of Charlestown, can be used to cre-ate computer models using GIS