By Remar Sutton
Trustee
The Trustees of our group are all energetically
involved in protecting and expanding the parks here in the BVI.
In 1999, for instance, we worked with Mr. Herbert Lee who donated
19.6 irreplaceable acres to the Parks. Shortly thereafter, we
worked with Gaby Nitkin in securing the donation of another
18.4 irreplaceable acres at Shark Bay. This area has now been
named the Alexander H and Gaby Nitkin Nature Reserve.
Some of our Trustees have taken a personal
interest in particular projects. Peter Jennings, for instance,
is spearheading our interest in identifying and protecting historic
structures throughout the islands. Winthrop Rockefeller is in
working to expand the fleet of boats needed by the parks service
and the staff needed to run those boats. Lt. Governor Rockefeller
donated his own personal inboard to the Parks service this year.
George Plimpton has been involved in collecting the oral history
of our parks and historic structures. J.C. Pierce and I have
been involved in raising marine awareness in the BVI school
system.
Our great need right now is funds to purchase
and protect key irreplaceable lands now in the hands of private
individuals.
For instance, Bar Bay, a 36 acre site, a dramatic
expanse of granite promitoryies, sandy beach, and bird refuge,
was the site of the first Quaker Experience in the BVI, and
hold the remains of Quaker missionaries. The land is available
for purchase.
For instance, we need to dramatically expand
our Marine Conservation program, which will entail the purchase
and maintenance of three more patrol boats. The cost of the
boats alone will be over $300,000.
For instance, we need to fund the employment
of an experienced marine biologoist to guide the Park’s
coral reef monitoring project. The budget for this project is
approximately $60,000 per year.
We have many interesting projects, from small
to historic. If you have an interest in great beauty and a unique
world where you can make a difference, will you contact us?
Remar Sutton, a Governor of the Trustees of
the BVI National Parks, USA
404-229-5094
J.C. Pierce, President
284-495-3204
JCPierceTortola@aol.com
