The Saint Lucia National Trust (SLNT) is celebrating 41 years of conserving Saint Lucia’s natural and built heritage. This membership-based organization established in 1975 endeavours to fulfill its mandate through site maintenance and management, promoting the sustainable use of our natural resources and through education and advocacy.
Some of our accomplishments to date include inter alia: (i) the successful management of the Pigeon Island National Landmark; (ii) successful lobbying of government to undertake the Limits of Acceptable Change Study and to keep the Pitons Management Area off the list of World Heritage in Danger; (iii) prevention of the sale of the beach close to Petit Piton through an appeal to the court; (iv) monitoring of our offshore islands to ensure the protection of their unique fauna and flora; (v) design of a Systems Plan of Protected Areas for Saint Lucia; (vi) World Wide Views on: Global Warming (2009), Biodiversity (2012) and Climate & Energy (2014); (vii) organization and participation in numerous cleanup activities; (viii) organization and participation in numerous tree planting activities island-wide; (ix) restoration of Morne Pavillon in Cap Estate; (x) staging of Youth Environment Forum (2009-2014); (xi) development of a National Vocational Qualifications Competency Standards in Sustainable Sea Moss Production, and (xii) taking the lead on the Walcott Place Project.
According to SLNT’s Director, Mr. Bishnu Tulsie, “We were able to accomplish these tasks with the support of our committed members, prudent councilors and dedicated staff. We take this opportunity to call on all Saint Lucians to join us as we continue to conserve our island’s rich yet fragile resources.”
Two activities are being organized to mark this celebration: Trust Pioneers Lecture and a Dolphin and Whale Watching Expedition.
The lecture is slated for Wednesday, September 28, 2016 from 5:45 p.m. at the Palm Haven Hotel Conference Room, Rodney Bay. The keynote address will be delivered by Mrs. Rudylynn De Four Roberts, a registered architect and past president of Trinidad and Tobago Institute of Architects.
Having an affinity for historic preservation, Mrs. De Four Roberts has devoted much of her life to restoring historic buildings and lobbying for the preservation of the built heritage in her homeland. A founding member and president of Citizens for Conservation, she was actively involved in researching and drafting of the National Trust Act of Trinidad and Tobago and served on that executive board for the first two years.
As the president of Trinidad and Tobago National Committee of the International Council of Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS), she has represented her country at several conferences and symposia, delivering lectures and networking for the heritage preservation movement. Her presentation will focus on the theme, “Caribbean Architectural Heritage: identity, reality and future opportunities.” There is absolutely no fee to attend. Interested persons are asked to register at http://tinyurl.com/gsgylpx. For further information please call 452-5005 or email [email protected].
Meanwhile, the Dolphin and Whale Watching expedition is scheduled for Saturday, October 1. This will provide members and non-members with an opportunity to explore our breathtaking ocean which is the home to a multitude of marine mammals, including Sperm Whales, Humpback Whales and Pilot Whales, as well as Spinner, Spotted, Fraser and Common Dolphins. Members pay EC$60, non-members $70 and children $40. Limited space available so interested persons are asked to contact [email protected] for more information.