“Seeing my peers react to environmental issues in such a passionate manner encouraged me to step up and take a greater role. The retreat has made me realize that the youth need to be heard as we are responsible for the future of this country,” so said one of the 37 youngsters who attended the inaugural Youth for Conservation Retreat. The Retreat organized by the Saint Lucia National Trust was held under the theme “Heritage: What does it mean to you?” at The Old Harbour in Vieux Fort on Saturday, September 7, 2013. The initiative targeted Trust members from the youth chapters across the island. “The seminar sought to inspire the youngsters to take their roles as stewards of our heritage more seriously, and to also enlighten them on heritage (built or natural) issues. It also provided an avenue for them to become more familiar with each other, and exchange ideas on future conservation projects that could be planned and executed individually or collectively,” said Karetta Crooks Charles, SLNT’s Communications & Advocacy Officer. Dr. James Fletcher, Minister for Public Service, Sustainable Development, Energy, Science and Technology apologized for being unable to attend as he had another important meeting out of state. Nonetheless, his PowerPoint Presentation on “Heritage Conservation & National Development: Finding the Balance” was presented on his behalf and well received by the youngsters. The various groups then shared their ongoing projects and ideas for the period April 2014 to March 2015. Amanie Mathurin and Raide Hippolyte, President and Vice President respectively of the Southern Youth Chapter noted that some of the major initiatives planned for the period include school visits, the My Independence Video Competition, the Junk to Funk Competition and a Creole cooking competition. Also, Dilan Alcee, President of the Soufriere Youth Chapter informed the gathering that his group is planning to organize a beach cleanup, activities to raise awareness of Climate change and its impacts in the community and membership recruitment drives. Thereafter, the participants discussed areas of collaboration amongst the various groups and the Secretariat. Although the Northern Youth Chapter was only represented by two youngsters, their contribution to the discussions was indeed valuable. Kemar Louisy of the Northern Chapter proposed that the age requirements of the youth groups should be modified to encourage students from a younger age to understand their roles as custodians of the environment. He also suggested that the three youth groups of the Trust should come together and organize a “Demonstration” aimed at drawing the public’s attention of the need to appreciate our heritage. The Retreat culminated with a delectable Bar-Be- Cue on the lawns of the Maria Islands Interpretation Centre. Based on the evaluation forms, the youngsters would like event to be held annually and they were grateful for the opportunity to learn more about the Trust and the various projects being coordinated by fellow youngsters who shared their passion. Youth for Conservation Karetta Crooks Charles SLNT Communications & Advocacy Officer Volume 2 Issue 3
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Transcript
“Seeing my peers react to environmental issues in
such a passionate manner encouraged me to step up
and take a greater role. The retreat has made me
realize that the youth need to be heard as we are
responsible for the future of this country,” so said
one of the 37 youngsters who attended the inaugural
Youth for Conservation Retreat. The Retreat
organized by the Saint Lucia National Trust was
held under the theme “Heritage: What does it mean
to you?” at The Old Harbour in Vieux Fort on
Saturday, September 7, 2013. The initiative targeted
Trust members from the youth chapters across the
island.
“The seminar sought to inspire the youngsters to
take their roles as stewards of our heritage more
seriously, and to also enlighten them on heritage
(built or natural) issues. It also provided an avenue
for them to become more familiar with each other,
and exchange ideas on future conservation projects
that could be planned and executed individually or
collectively,” said Karetta Crooks Charles, SLNT’s
Communications & Advocacy Officer.
Dr. James Fletcher, Minister for Public Service,
Sustainable Development, Energy, Science and
Technology apologized for being unable to attend as
he had another important meeting out of state.
Nonetheless, his PowerPoint Presentation on
“Heritage Conservation & National Development:
Finding the Balance” was presented on his behalf
and well received by the youngsters. The various
groups then shared their ongoing projects and ideas
for the period April 2014 to March 2015. Amanie
Mathurin and Raide Hippolyte, President and Vice
President respectively of the Southern Youth
Chapter noted that some of the major initiatives
planned for the period include school visits, the My
Independence Video Competition, the Junk to Funk
Competition and a Creole cooking competition.
Also, Dilan Alcee, President of the Soufriere Youth
Chapter informed the gathering that his group is
planning to organize a beach cleanup, activities to
raise awareness of Climate change and its impacts in
the community and membership recruitment drives.
Thereafter, the participants discussed areas of
collaboration amongst the various groups and the
Secretariat.
Although the Northern Youth Chapter was only
represented by two youngsters, their contribution to
the discussions was indeed valuable. Kemar Louisy
of the Northern Chapter proposed that the age
requirements of the youth groups should be
modified to encourage students from a younger age
to understand their roles as custodians of the
environment. He also suggested that the three youth
groups of the Trust should come together and
organize a “Demonstration” aimed at drawing the
public’s attention of the need to appreciate our
heritage.
The Retreat culminated with a delectable Bar-Be-
Cue on the lawns of the Maria Islands Interpretation
Centre. Based on the evaluation forms, the
youngsters would like event to be held annually and
they were grateful for the opportunity to learn more
about the Trust and the various projects being
coordinated by fellow youngsters who shared their
passion.
Youth for Conservation
Karetta Crooks Charles
SLNT Communications & Advocacy Officer
Volume 2 Issue 3
On September 26, 2013, the Trust celebrated its 38th
Anniversary by organizing three activities. An
interactive discussion on heritage conservation and
the Trust’s current and future projects took centre
stage on the “90 Minutes” talk show on Radio St.
Lucia. The guests were Director, Bishnu Tulsie;
Historian, former Chairman and Life Member of the
Trust, Dr. Gregor Williams; Amanie Mathurin,
President of the Southern Youth Chapter and Mr.
Kemar Louisy of the Northern Youth Chapter.
A 5 minute video on the life and works of one of the
Trust’s founding fathers, Robert Devaux, was
produced by the Trust with support from the Devaux
family and was aired on DBS TV, Choice TV, HTS
and NTN.
Additionally, the Reception area at the Secretariat
was transformed into an exhibition bearing the many
publications of Mr. Devaux. The 5 minute video
produced by the Trust, a 15 minute video done by
the family as well as various conservation related
documentaries were also available for viewing.
Here are a few photos of the exhibition, enjoy!
Happy 38th Anniversary to the Trust!
In this issue:
1. Youth for Conservation
2. Trust Anniversary Celebration
3. Saint Lucia Goes Big on Ozone again
4. Taking a Closer Look
5. CYEN Summer Programme
6. Membership Meeting
7. Monitoring our Whiptails
8. YEF 2013
9. Upcoming Events
Karetta Crooks Charles
SLNT Communications & Advocacy Officer
Every year on 16th September nations around the
world observe the International Day for the
Preservation of the Ozone Layer. This day is also
referred to as Ozone Day and is a time for nations to
highlight their efforts at promoting the protection of
the ozone layer. The international theme for this
year was “A healthy atmosphere, the Future We
Want”.
The planning of Saint Lucia’s Ozone Day activities
was spearheaded by the National Ozone Unit within
the Sustainable Development and Environment
Division of the Ministry of Sustainable
Development, Energy, Science and Technology.
Given Saint Lucia’s current work plan under the
ozone layer protection programme, the national
theme “Achieving the healthy atmosphere we want
with energy efficient alternative technologies” was
adopted.
It seeks to highlight the achievements of the
Montreal Protocol in the preservation of our
atmosphere and the importance of selecting suitable
alternative technologies that bring climate and
energy efficiency benefits, allowing us to continue
achieving our sustainable development goals.
On Ozone Day, Monday, 16th September 2013, the
staff members of Super J wore ozone day T-Shirts
and the National Ozone Officer, Ms. Donnalyn
Charles, accompanied by the lead Energy Officer,
Mrs. Judith Ephraim-Schmidt were guests on the
live radio programme, Newspin, with host Mr.
Timothy Poleon, to discuss ozone layer protection
issues and linkages with energy efficiency and
climate change. Two main activities were held on
Friday, 20th September 2013. They were both co-
sponsored by the Saint Lucia National Trust. The
first was the Ozone and Climate Friendly Energy
Efficient Alternative Technologies Symposium held
in the Caribbean Cinema Party Room and the
second was an exhibition which displayed ozone
and climate friendly energy efficient alternative
technologies, in the Mega J parking lot at Choc
Estate. The exhibition was also co-sponsored by
Consolidated Foods Limited and the appliances and
tools displayed were supplied by the Ministry of
Sustainable Development, Energy, Science and
Technology, ServiTech and Solar Connections
Incorporated.
Donnalyn Charles & Joanna Octave-Rosemond
Sustainable Development & Environment Division
National Trusts helped Saint Lucia Go Big on Ozone Again!
“We owe our children and grandchildren a country fit to live on and capable of sustaining their future. We can’t continue to muddle along pretending that past and current practice is okay. With the knowledge, technology and resources that are now available to us, we have an unprecedented chance to make wise decisions and investments that will have broad positive impacts on our children’s future. If we have the vision and courage to succeed, we may be remembered as the generation which pioneered a new way forward. “
Excerpt from Chairman’s Message, Mr. Cletus Springer at the 25th
AGM of the SLNT
Staff members of the Saint Lucia National Trust
(SLNT), specifically Customer Service and Safety
Representatives (CSSR), recently concluded in-
house training sessions on the history and culture of
Saint Lucia and the historical significance of
important landmarks on the island. Facilitated by
renowned Saint Lucian historian and former
Chairman of the SLNT, Dr. Gregor Williams, the
sessions sought to build the capacity of the CSSRs,
thereby enabling them to provide a better service to
visitors to Trust sites.
In his brief opening statements, Director of the
SLNT, Mr. Bishnu Tulsie, welcomed participants.
He noted the usefulness of the exercise not only to
staff who recently joined the organization, but stated
that it should serve as a refresher for others. He
concluded by expressing his gratitude to Dr.
Williams who graciously agreed to facilitate the
exercise.
The sessions began with Dr. Williams stressing the
importance of knowing one’s history, stating that an
understanding of one’s past is essential to
understanding one’s future. Day one delved into the
history of Saint Lucia. Participants were taken on a
historical timeline of Saint Lucia, from its
Amerindian occupation into the American
Revolution and through World Wars I and II. He
highlighted the important role that Saint Lucia
played in military history, particularly during the
French Revolution. He debunked the notion that the
British and the French fought fourteen times over
Saint Lucia and provided precise dates when the
handing over were by signed Treaties between the
two.
Day two commenced with a tour of the Pigeon
Island National Landmark. As the group trudged
along the trail, Dr. Williams detailed the sequence of
events which led to the construction of the Pigeon
Island Causeway. Having arrived at Fort Rodney,
one could clearly see why the British wanted to keep
a strong hold on Saint Lucia, as it was definitely a
vantage point for spying on the French in
neighboring Martinique. It was from this location
that Admiral Sir George Rodney in 1782, observed
the French Fleet set sail from Martinique en route to
join the Spanish Fleet for a planned invasion of
Jamaica. However, their plans were thwarted when
the British intercepted the French near a group of
islands between Martinique and Dominica called
Iles des Saintes. The French fleet was defeated in
what is known as the Battle of the Saintes. Upon
conclusion of the tour, discussions were held on the
cultural legacies that the French, British and
Africans left on Saint Lucia. The session closed
with Dr. Williams explaining the statutory
instruments which govern the operations of the
SLNT.
Following these intense sessions, CSSR’s explored
the fortifications at Morne Fortune, Vigie and
Morne Du Cap. They also went on a tour of the
Maria Islands Nature Reserve and visited the
Mankote Mangrove.
Staff responded very positively to the training,
hailing it as timely and very necessary. Lucretia
Remy, CSSR at PINL thought the sessions were
very enlightening. According to Ms. Remy, “It made
me want to delve deeper into the history of our
island.” Others thought the information
disseminated was indeed captivating and that the
facilitator was very accommodating. Through this
training it is hoped that staff would have a better
appreciation of the island and acquire greater pride
in themselves, their history and culture.
Taking a Closer Look
Eleanor Maurille
SLNT Programme Assistant/Documentation Centre
The members of CYEN – St. Lucia are young
advocates of environmental protection and youth
development. On recognising the extent and impact
of environmental degradation and the appearance of
a seemingly bleak, unsustainable future, CYEN – St.
Lucia decided to host a summer camp which focuses
on actions that curb the current bad environmental
practices.
A total of 60 children, ages 9 to 15 years were
chosen to be ambassadors for a Green Future in St
Lucia. For 2 weeks from July 29th to August 11th,
these young children from both Vieux Fort and
Castries were recipients of information on the
fragility and importance of the environment. The
camp in Vieux Fort was held from July 29th to
August 2nd at the Vieux Fort Technical Secondary
School and the camp in Castries was held from
August 5th to August 9th at the SDA Academy.
The fulfilment of the organisation’s goal for the
camp “to educate and build awareness of the major
environmental challenges that humanity is currently
facing and will face in the future” was made
possible by our principal donor Global
Environmental Facility Small Grants Program (GEF
SGP), as they together with other sponsors and
donors assisted in fully funding the summer camp.
The youngsters received information on the
importance of the environment, solid waste
management, climate change and energy efficiency
and biodiversity. In addition to lectures given to the
children, they also went on tours to the Vieux Fort
Solid Waste Management Facility and the Des
Cartier forest for campers in the south and the
Deglos Sanitary Landfill and Piton Flor for campers
in the north. The youth were engaged in craft
making activities to increase their knowledge and
skills of how to change everyday household items,
in particular plastics and paper, into useable items.
This reinforced the idea of sustainable consumption,
conservation and protection of our natural resources.
GO GREEN was the refrain that was echoed
throughout the camp through Reduce, Reuse,
Recycle and Renew.
The creativity and imagination of the children came
alive in the transformation of the household items
they use every day. In addition to this practice the
campers also formulated songs and poems which
they will use to educate their friends and
communities on the environment. The activities of
the camp continued on Sunday August 11th when
the 60 campers joined 40 other young children in a
tree planting exercise at Parrot’s Hideaway at Bois
d’Orange and concluded on August 14th in a grand
closing ceremony.
The campers engaged in lively discussions
expressing their wishes for a Greener St. Lucia
through discussions of the bad practices and impacts
which they have witnessed in their communities.
These wishes were used to formulate an Outcome
Declaration to be presented to the Prime Minister
and the Governor General. The success of the camp
is a product of the gratitude from different sponsors
and donors such Ministry of Social Transformation,
Local Government & Community Empowerment,
Eastern Caribbean Financial Holdings Limited
(ECFH), OECS Secretariat, St. Lucia Air and Sea
Ports Authority (SLASPA), St. Lucia National
Youth Council, Monroe College, Star publishing
Company, Ministry of Youth Development and
Sports, Ministry of Education, Forestry Department,
Super J – IGA, Domino’s Pizza, LIME St Lucia and
volunteers of JICA (Japan International Cooperation
Agency).
For further information on CYEN – St. Lucia please
The Saint Lucia National Trust introduces Mr. Craig Henry, newly appointed Progamme Officer as of
September, 2013. Mr. Henry will be overseeing the Trust’s work in the south from the Maria Islands
Interpretation Centre (MIIC) at Pointe Sable, Vieux Fort. Mr. Henry, who is also from the South, has
expressed his enthusiasm in assisting the Trust to implement its various programmes for the entire Pointe
Sable Environmental Protection Area (PSEPA). He has a profound affinity for nature and community work
and embraces the opportunity to recommit to the cause of natural and historical conservation and protection.
The Trust officially welcomes Mr. Henry on board and looks forward to a long and fruitful relationship.
August September
Stanley Hilaire - 28th Dorcia Wilfred - 25th
Smile, it could be worse… Think about what you’ll look like in ten years. Happy Birthday! Age is something that doesn’t matter, unless you are a cheese.
May your day be filled with smiles, sunshine, love and laughter!!