Twenty years ago, recognising the need to preserve our history and environment the Government of the day and the founding members of the National Trust for the Cayman Islands created this organisation for the benefit of present and future generations of these islands.
Fabian McField releases an iguana as part of the National Trust programme. Photo: Submitted |
As we salute them for their foresight and highlight the accomplishments of the organization, we are confident that the National Trust is fulfilling the role for which it was intended and believe that today they can be proud of their creation.
Charged with the responsibility of preserving our history and our environment the National Trust has over the past 20 years made steady progress. In the past three years, I am proud to say that this organization has acquired 598 acres of property for preservation, reconstructed and opened the Mission House in Bodden Town and acquired two other historic homes. The National Trust has now preserved over 2,700 acres of property and 11 historic sites.
Our role in education has also made significant progress with the re-publication of the National Symbols Teachers Guide and the completion of the new Blue Iguana Teachers Guide, which is now included in the school curriculum. In addition, we conduct weekly children’s activities, school presentations and other informative and educational activities.
We also publish a weekly newspaper column and various magazine articles.
Our Blue Iguana Recovery Program, the Bat Conservation Program and the Wildlife Rescue Program – all of which are run largely by volunteers – have also made giant strides. Released blue iguanas are now breeding in the Salina Reserve, we have 54 Bat houses installed and a Wildlife Rescue hotline 917 BIRD.
As chairman of the National Trust since November 2004, I have met many wonderful people, both local and expatriate, who are passionate about preserving our islands’ history and environment and from them I have learned a great deal. The success of the organisation depends on the involvement of the people of these islands, our hardworking staff, dedicated volunteers and our members. As a non-profit organization we also rely on financial assistance from our community and our Government. To all who have contributed over the years, I give my sincere thanks and ask for your continued support in the years ahead.
I also urge our residents to get involved as this is YOUR National Trust and the property that it owns and all that it does is for the benefit of the people of these islands. Your support therefore ensures that our history and environment are protected for you and all future generations of these islands to celebrate, learn from and enjoy. We are only 20 years young and your help is needed for the organisation to fulfil its important mission.
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