Two Internationally renowned Archaeologists were guests of the Anguilla Archaeological and Historical Society as it held its Annual General Meeting on Thursday 16 July at the Conference Room of the Teachers’ Resource Centre.
The Archaeologists were Dr. David R. Watters, Curator Emeritus,
Section of Anthropology Carnegie Museum of Natural History USA, and Dr. John G. Crock, Associate Professor of Anthropology of the University of Vermont. They are now in the Caribbean to attend the 26th International Congress of Caribbean Archaeology being hosted In Sint Maarten-Saint Martin, this week. The Conference will close with a tour of Anguilla on Saturday 25 July.
The Society had invited the Archaeologists to make a joint presentation on ‘The Treasures of Anguilla’s Rich Archaeological Past’ at its AGM. They are both very familiar with Anguilla’s Archaeology, having carried out explorations here in the past, and having written several technical articles on Anguilla in prestigious Archaeological journals.
Dr. Watters reported on the early archaeological work in Anguilla from the 1980’s when he first visited. He included pictures of archaeological investigations at the Fountain Carven and several other locations. He said that his first visit to Anguilla was a chance one, occasioned by the invitation of a colleague. Once in Anguilla he was impressed with the work the AAHS had been doing and that began a long working relationship and several years of fruitful exploration.
Dr. Crock who first visited Anguilla in 1990 as part of his studies towards his Masters Degree, presented on archaeological explorations he had been involved with in Anguilla since then, including summer field schools he has been leading to Anguilla. He also carried out rescue digs prior to development. He displayed pictures of archaeological finds in Anguilla that illustrated that the early residents of Anguilla were connected with the rest of the Caribbean through trade. Even in those early years he said the residents of Anguilla were marine based, both through trade and in their diets. His presentation also demonstrated the new technologies now being used in archaeological exploration and interpretation. Members were shown a three dimensional video scan of the Fountain Cavern and the Big Spring, prepared using the most modern video scanning equipment.
Mr Foster Rogers, Permanent Secretary Ministry of Finance, Economic Development and Tourism, also made a presentation that focused on the heritage mandate of the Sustainable Tourism Master Plan (STMP), in particular the Fountain National Park. He informed members of the facilities now being created at the Fountain Park. These included: the construction of an entry hut and visitor reception centre; the creation of trails; and the installation of information panels. Most of this work is being done on lands not originally included in the Fountain National Park as earlier proposed. At the Fountain itself, an upgraded grill has been installed and a security perimeter fence is being installed. This is the first phase of the work. Later on an interpretation centre and an exhibit of Anguilla’s giant rodent, Amblyrhiza Inundata, will be created.
Mr Rogers said that the work would not have been accomplished without the hard work and dedication of Ms Jasmin Garroway, Tourism Planner, who had dedicated long hours to the project. He also thanked Architect, Iain Smith for contributing his service in designing the buildings, and his daughter Adele, a landscape Architect, who had also volunteered her time to the project. He said these contributions were invaluable and if they had to be paid for, Government would not have been in a position to effect the project.
In the business side of the meeting, Timothy Hodge was unanimously elected as President, Larry Stott and Aileen Smith were re-elected as as Vice-President and Treasurer respectively and Mary Chewning was elected as Secretary. These 4 persons will hold office for 2 years. Jansie Webster and Devon Carter were elected as ordinary members for one year. Kenn Banks, the outgoing President will continue to serve on the board for one year as the Immediate-Past-President.
The Society expressed its thanks to the outgoing board members for their hard work over the past years. Persons who would like to join the Society and participate in its activities are invited to contact any member of the Board for further information.
21st July 2015
– Contributed
(Published without editing by The Anguillian newspaper.)
