The Anguilla White cedar can be a blessing to the next generation of local woodcarvers and the landowners, IF?
There is a large number of white cedar trees in Anguilla on developed and undeveloped land; clearing the bush from around these trees can generate income in the future.
25 years ago I bought a white cedar board 24”wide x 7ft long x 2” thick from the late captain Hall, he had to fish it out from the sandy ground salt pond where he indicated it was sitting for over 10 years
No doubt It had to sit outdoors in the rain for another year to remove the salt. Captain Hall told me he built his boat from white cedar.
As you drive along throughout Anguilla you cannot help but notice the Anguilla white cedar trees coming of age, peeping out above the bush and other trees.
These trees can grow to 40ft tall, depending on how theY are cared for; The tallest tree I am aware of is in Sandy ground, close to the police station and opposite Johnno’s.
If these trees are protected and cared for Anguilla’s future wood carvers can boast of wood carvings from the Anguilla national tree.
The wood is hard and attractive.
The exhibition to be mounted at Lake’s Market place will not only exhibit carvings from the old historic mahogany tree but a small selection of small carvings from the Anguilla white cedar.
