The University of the West Indies (UWI) Open Campus Dominica hosted its Tree Planting & Tree Dedication Ceremony in collaboration with its neighbours: the Division of Forestry, Wildlife & Parks, Konmité Pou Etid Kwéyòl (KEK) and Roseau Primary School Early Childhood Development Centre on Thursday, 1 June, 2023. This activity formed part of the Dominica Site’s celebration of UWI’s 75th Anniversary activities.
In her welcome remarks to mark the occasion, Dr. Kimone Joseph, Head of UWI Open Campus Dominica, said that the occasion was an expression of the University’s commitment to preserving the environment.
“As an institution of higher education, UWI is of course committed to research and innovation. Yet, we know that this cannot be achieved if we do not work in harmony with nature,” Dr. Joseph said. “We at UWI Open Campus take pride in being one of the most beautiful green spaces in Roseau and we will continue to do our part in preserving the environment and keeping our island beautiful.”
Mr. Edmund McIntyre, Forest Officer, Division of Forestry, Wildlife & Parks, explained that his Division has been engaged in tree planting initiatives as part of the reforestation project following the passage of Hurricane Maria in 2017.
“Healthy forests promote biodiversity conservation and drive many forms livelihoods that sustain local communities,” McIntyre said. “The forest is considered as a primary habitat for species of birds and wildlife. We thank the staff members of University of the West Indies for asking us to partner with them in this Tree Planting Ceremony and we look forward to more partnerships as we seek to restructure and preserve Dominica’s forests.”
At the day’s event, Dr. Francis Severin, Pro-Vice Chancellor & Principal planted the sabinea carinalis (bwa Kwaib/Kalinago wood), which is Dominica’s national flower with the support of Ms. Kidisha Pinard, Clerical Assistant. Mrs. Sandalyne Thomas, Lead Teacher at Roseau Primary School’s Early Childhood Development Centre planted the murraya koenigii (curry leaf tree) with the support of two of her students, Zaire Seraphine and Twawoche Andrew. Mr. Edmund McIntyre, Forest Officer at Forestry, Wildlife & Parks and his Assistant, Avril Guye planted the guaiacum sanchum (holywood tree).
The second part of the Ceremony was the dedication of the UWI Open Campus Dominica’s erythrina corallodendron (bwa mòwtèl/immortal tree) to the life and work of Dr. Violet Vyline Cuffy. Dr. Cuffy, who passed away suddenly in December 2021, had been devoted to her work in cultural heritage studies, and she had worked with the Dominica Site as well as the Konmité Pou Etid Kwéyòl (Kwéyòl Studies Committee) on several projects in the quest to establish Dominica has a Centre of Best Practice for the preservation of cultural heritage. Thus, Dr. Cuffy’s family was invited by KEK and UWI Open Campus Dominica to witness the erecting of a plaque near the immortal tree, which Dr. Cuffy had planted ceremoniously with Dr. Severin and members of KEK during the Country Conference in 2019.
“Today’s event honours the memory of someone who was very passionate about Dominica’s Creole culture and its future. This person is the late Dr. Violet Cuffy,” said Mr. Raymond Lawrence, Chair, KEK. “She had a vision for Dominica as a Centre of Excellence for the preservation and celebration of the Creole culture through language, the arts and its indigenous Kalinagos.”
Tree Planting Ceremonies have been scheduled throughout the Open Campus Country Sites as part of the observance of The UWI’s 75th Anniversary activities. Dominica Site now joins Jamaica (Western), St. Lucia and Belize Sites who have already hosted their Tree Planting Ceremonies.
Avril Guye and Edmund McIntyre plant guaiacum sanchum or holywood tree on behalf of Division of Forestry
Contingent of Roseau Primary School students pose with UWI staff
Dominica Site staff in Creole Wear at Tree Planting and Tree Dedication Ceremony
Family of Dr Violet Cuffy with UWI and KEK members at dedciation of bwa mowtel or immortal tree to her memory and work
Mrs. Sandalyne Thomas plants murraya Koenigii or curry leaf tree with Zaire Seraphine and Twawauche Andrew
Principal Francis Severin and Kidisha Pinard plant sabinea carilais or Kalinago wood
