People in the Park again

After seven months of recovery work since Hurricane Ivan, the Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park opened its gates to the public again on Saturday, 30 April.

‘Welcome,’ general manager Mr. Andrew Guthrie told those who gathered for an informal re-opening ceremony. ‘It’s nice to see people in the Park again. I hope you come back often and see how we progress.’

After the September storm it was disheartening to see so many trees on the ground, he said. Those that were still standing had lost their canopy. Numerous other plants were damaged or dead.

‘We assessed the damage, got out the chainsaws and got started,’ Mr. Guthrie summarised. The gardeners cleared pathways and removed fallen trees that could not be saved. The Colour Gardens were replanted.

Little work was done along the Nature Trail. The fallen trees there will be left to show the natural consequence of a natural phenomenon. Over time the trees will decompose and put nutrients back into the soil, Mr. Guthrie pointed out.

Just before Ivan, the Park was about to break ground for a Palm Garden feature, he noted. That plan has since been put on hold. Intentions are, however, to proceed with a Children’s Garden, Biblical Garden and special areas for orchids, cacti and succulents.

‘I hope you will enjoy the Park today and for many years to come,’ Mr. Guthrie concluded.

Iguana programme

Ms Carla Reid, chairwoman of the National Trust, reported on the native blue iguana captive breeding programme at the Park. The blues weathered the storm without loss.

Ms Reid explained that the Trust is not involved in the running of the Park, but is co-owner of the property and operator of the iguana programme.

The National Trust began the captive breeding programme in 1990 at the back of the Mosquito Research and Control Unit in George Town, moving it to the Park in December 1995. At this time, iguanas were also released to roam freely in the Park, Ms. Reid said.

By 2002 they were breeding, with 86 hatchlings in 2003 and 84 in 2004. Meanwhile, the wild population was fast dwindling. Within the past few months, 23 iguanas were released into the Salinas and are being monitored as they adapt to their surroundings.

‘An upsurge of international assistance after the storm allowed us to upgrade the facility and make it even better than before and we are proud to say that we now house 198 blues, ranging from adult breeders to babies.

‘The blue is the most endangered iguana on the planet and is one of the primary attractions of the Park. We hope shortly to commence guided tours of the captive breeding facility, initially for cruise visitors and shortly thereafter for stay-over visitors,’ she revealed.

‘This will bolster the Park’s gate revenue and raise local and international awareness of the programme and of the Park.’

Ms Reid also pointed to the Park’s role as supplier of native plants and trees.

‘Personally, I find the Park to be one of the most relaxing and rejuvenating places to visit,’ she remarked.

‘Parks such as this are the hallmarks of an advanced and civilised society. As the first of its kind in the Cayman Islands, the Botanic Park is extremely important, both as a tourist attraction and a peaceful sanctuary for residents. Its educational value, however, should not be underestimated, as our school children visit regularly to learn of the native flora and fauna.’

Ms Reid said she was pleased that, overt the past few years, greater emphasis has been placed on the creation of such areas, including the new district community parks.

‘Perhaps more important is the creation of our first National Park at Barkers. It is my hope that more national parks will follow and that the administration of the day will enact suitable legislation for the protection of these national treasures so that they may be preserved for future generations to enjoy,’ Ms Reid declared.

Ceremony informal

Also taking part in the informal ceremony were Mr. Gilbert Connolly, CEO of the Tourism Attractions Board and Ms Eziethamae Bodden, board member.

Mr. Connolly, who served as master of ceremonies, paid tribute to the Park staff and management. (See separate story.)

Ms Bodden presented remarks on behalf of Mr. McKeeva Bush, Minister of tourism and leader of Government Business, who had a scheduling conflict.

Mr. Bush saluted Caymanians who first had the idea for the Park, most notably Mr. Kirkland Nixon, who served as first chairman of the National Trust. These people deserve eternal gratitude because the Park is now a premiere attraction and a source of pride for all Caymanians.

Those who attended the ceremony were treated to refreshments and live entertainment by Wild Knights. They also had a chance to view photos by Dorothea Schwab of the Park after Ivan, on display in the Visitors Centre.

The Botanic Park is open from 9am until 6.30pm, with last admissions at 5.30pm. Adult admission is CI$6. The fee for children between six and 12 is CI$4. Children under six are admitted free with accompanying adults.