“The Anguilla National Trust (ANT) had a very productive year in 2019”, remarked Farah Mukhida, ANT Executive Director, during its well-attended annual general meeting (AGM) held on Monday, December 9. Attendees were reminded of the ANT’s wide range and scope of projects as they execute their mission statement: A leader in promoting, supporting and enabling sustainable development and heritage conservation in Anguilla’.
The evening’s highlight was the presentation of two very prestigious awards to two very deserving individuals. Stanley Rogers of Island Harbour, was presented with the Disney Conservation Fund award for his tireless dedication, over the past forty years to feed the endangered and one-of-a kind Little Scrub lizard. Little Scrub has lost all of its vegetation over the years due to weather. Rogers, who has made it his mission to take food almost daily to the lizards, is directly responsible for their continued existence.
Mukhida received the prestigious Marsh Award for Terrestrial Conservation Leadership in early 2019 but ,because of her low-key manner, she chose to disclose the information to only a few. However, her accomplishments were recognized at the AGM where she received well-deserved public accolades and applause. This award, run in partnership with Fauna and Flora International. recognizes an individual or organization that is making a significant contribution to sustainable biodiversity at a local level.
Avon Carty, ANT Council President, said, “The work we do at the ANT is possible because of the support that we have from the government of Anguilla and their invitation to us to be formally involved in the national development process. We also receive invaluable assistance from dozens of volunteers – and moral and financial support from international funding agencies, international non-governmental organizations and our members. The ANT’s five programme areas include wetlands and terrestrial conservation; marine and coastal conservation; protected area; culture and heritage, and public awareness and stewardship. Additionally, we are working with the government and non-government partners on strategies to reduce Anguilla’s waste.”
The ANT is in its fifteenth year of monitoring the mainland and wetland birds; they have worked to eradicate rats from the Prickly Pear cays as well as Dog Island; they have received funding from Darwin Plus to better manage the Prickly Pear Marine Park and to better understand and protect the island’s endangered terrestrial species. They are leading the sea turtle conservation action plan along with the sea turtle and capture-tag-release-monitor programme. They completed an 18-month long European Union funded project at the Little Bay Marine Park to create a snorkel trail using lobster casitas as the trail’s main feature. They have noted an increase in sea life since the trail’s opening.
The ANT is also collaborating with the Department of Disaster Management and the Department of Environment to better understand the impact of climate change on the island’s coastal ecosystem, and measures to reduce its negative impacts. Educating the public on the state of the island’s environment is also a top priority. Leading over 800 students on tours and field trips, ANT holdS week-long summer camps for young children and a Young Explorers after-school programme. Its monthly hikes around the coastal areas of the island have enabled the public to gain a better appreciation of the island’s coast.
During the AGM, elections to fill three council positions were held and officers Rhon Connor, Frank Cannon and Njeri Carty were voted in. The treasurers’ report and a presentation on future proofing endangered species in Anguilla preceded a social featuring great holiday food, drink and conversation. Sadly, this will be the final official location at the ANT’s Valley office as it is scheduled for demolition. The building is located in the vicinity of the area where the new Valley Clinic will be built. The ANT will eventually relocate into a new building in the Crocus Hill area when construction is complete. Details for a temporary location are still being worked on.
– Contributed
