My years as a National Trust volunteer have been fascinating, fun and fulfilling. I’ve enjoyed every day and no amount of work is too much because the goals are so important and so noble.
Through the National Trust, I have found a way to contribute and make a difference – something everyone wants to do. Through the National Trust we can all help to preserve our quality of life and the spirit and beauty of the Cayman Islands for ourselves and for generations to come.
Through my conservation work, I’ve met the very best and most generous people here – those passionate about protecting and preserving the beauty and wildlife of our islands; those who value what we have inherited and honour their ancestors; those who believe that the wild native animals like the Cayman Parrots, the Blue Iguanas, the Whistling Ducks and all the other lesser known local creatures deserve a place to live and a have a right to survive; those who recognize that Cayman forests contain priceless national treasures that could be lost for all time unless we take action now.
I’ve also met the smartest people here – those who understand that it is possible to have financial gains without annihilating their heritage – those with the vision to see that there is greater economic value in natural resources left as they are; those who understand that destroying ecosystems for perceived profits obliterates the very basis of those profits.
The 20th anniversary of the National Trust is the time to focus on all the positive things that have been done and the constructive ideas that have succeeded. It is a time for celebration of our achievements and of all the very good and caring people who have helped to do so much for so many in these twenty years since the National Trust was founded for countless good reasons.
Because of our isolation from other landmasses, the Cayman Islands possess many endemic species.
Our islands contain trees, plants, birds and other animals found nowhere else in the world. Caymanians are the only ones who can save them. Our country is small and development is moving ahead rapidly.
What level of development is sustainable?
How much should be left for future generations?
People in the Cayman Islands are considering these issues and deciding upon goals. In a small country like ours, we each have a role to play. We are an affluent, first-world country.
If we are to hold our heads up proudly in the world community, our beautiful plants and animals must not be allowed to slip into extinction.
Conservation must be practical and realistic. My friend and advisor, the late Bill Burnham, CEO of the Peregrine Fund, wrote while vacationing in the Cayman Islands, ‘To succeed, conservation must benefit humans spiritually and socially, but most importantly, economically. It must improve our quality of life. Only then, will conservation be integrated into the fabric of our daily lives and thought processes. No single person, organization or industry can save nature, but many people working together can make an important difference. Then humanity will be able to live in harmony with the natural world…The goal is to learn how to manage life and the global environment so that natural biological processes and species, including Homo sapiens, can be nourished and sustained through time.’
Aside from altruistic and righteous aspirations, and the undeniable practical importance of preserving our own livelihoods, our fresh water lenses, our fishing grounds, our cultural history, the beauty of our surroundings and our natural tourism attractions; on a deeply personal level, I find profound contentment and peace in spending time in the few remaining unspoiled, wild and wonderful places in the Cayman Islands.
These experiences and the other rewards of working with the National Trust have been many and varied. It has been a joy to be involved with wildlife on an intimate level; to go into the forests with the experts and with a purpose, to be on the scene when discoveries are made, whether it’s a new cave, or a new species of plant, butterfly, bat, or bird; to be part of the preservation of the history of this unique country – to have learned about thatch-weaving and early home construction from those who actually lived in those times; these are some of the satisfying experiences that conservation work has brought to me.
The overriding principal of integrity has guided every decision.
What is the right thing to do? was always the question, taken very seriously by the Trust Council – and it’s been a pleasure to be part of it all. It hasn’t always been easy or without controversy – and there have been misunderstandings and struggles – internal and external – but after 20 years, the National Trust has matured and grown. Much has been accomplished and there is much still to do – and I’m pleased and proud to do my part.
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