Sitting on its trailer on the sands of the Sandy Ground beach on Friday, November 5, awaiting her formal launch, was the Anguillian built and outfitted Corvina, a vessel funded through the Anguilla National Trust (ANT) in support of its extensive conservation work Among those joining the ANT staff, and Executive Council members, for the official launching ceremony, were Governor Dileeni Daniel-Selvaratnam; Minister of Natural Resources, Kyle Hodge and Permanent Secretary Chanelle Petty Barrett; Rebel Marine Ltd owner, and boat builder, David Carty; and an excited gathering of well-wishers and on-lookers.
Governor Daniel-Selvaratnam said: “I am absolutely delighted to be here today for the launch of the ANT’s new vessel, the Corvina. It looks absolutely stunning. It’s timely that we are launching during COP26 when leaders from across the world, including our own Parliamentary Secretary, are working to ensure the protection of the environment and preservation of our rich and precious bio-diversity. I am sure that you all know that the vessel is named for the brown lizard which is endemic to Sombrero Island.” She said the Covina will assist the ANT with its conservation efforts and help to sustain Anguilla’s heritage.
ANT Executive Director, Farah Mukhida, said that through Fauna and Flora International, ANT secured funding for the vessel from the Prince of Wales’ Charitable Foundation; Darwin Plus; the Betty Liebert Trust; the Species Fund and the John Ellerman Foundation. The 34-foot vessel powered by two 200 hp engines, was built by locally-owned and operated Rebel Marine, and outfitted by Anguilla Techni-Sales.
The ANT will partner with the Department of Natural Resources and Fisheries Unit, in its operation with Carlos Sasso serving as its initial captain. President of the ANT Executive Council, Avon Carty, also thanked the funders for their contributions.
Minister Kyle Hodge thanked the ANT for its varied projects and the critical work that it carries out on both the mainland and the island’s off-shore cays. He said, “Their work in conservation and protection is vital as it brings a level of balance between development and Anguilla remaining a beautiful tropical paradise island. We need the ANT.” He added that, as a developing small island, we cannot afford to either over-protect or over-develop – and the ANT brings that balance. Hodge, on behalf of the Anguilla Government, thanked the funders for their generous contributions.
Following Minister Hodge’s blessing of the vessel, it was carried into the sea where it made a few photo ops – “drive-bys” – before beginning its mandatory inspection sea-trials
