I recently received an e-mail from Rhon Connor in which he spoke highly of the efforts of the Albena Lake Hodge Comprehensive School Environmental and Conservation Club. He gave me the contact information for Joselyn Theophile-Richardson, a teacher at the school who also serves as the club’s coordinator and advisor along with Maxine Alonso. She invited me to one of the club’s meetings at 12:30 p.m. on Tuesday, October 30, and I was quite impressed with the turn-out. Being a non-obligatory meeting, it was pleasing to see so many children interested in not only the environment, but specifically Anguilla’s current environmental situation.

Farah Mukhida and Rhon Connor with the members of the Environmental Club

The purpose of the meeting was to attend a presentation made by Farah Mukhida, from the National Trust, on sand mining at Windward Point. She spoke quite vehemently about the negative impact sand mining is having on the dunes and came prepared with a power point presentation to illustrate the devastation. It seems that issues concerning the environment are timely across the globe and although Anguilla is small, I must say that through the good work of the National Trust and clubs such as this one, there is a great deal of awareness.

Clarissa Lloyd, a student at the ALHCS and president of the Environmental Club for the past two years, spoke in great detail with me about the student organization. Throughout the year, members participate in island-wide clean ups and fundraising activities such as cake sales. They also work hand in hand with the National Trust and the Department of Environment to have excursions and camps in which they explore the island and learn about both land and marine issues. Moreover, there are several beautification projects in which members can participate, such as the painting of the school walls and the cleaning of the entire Campus B. Clarissa and Mrs. Theophile-Richardson informed me about a yearly trip they take as a group. Two years ago they went to Dominica which is widely known for its topography and beauty. Last year they took a trip to St. John in the USVI to participate in a camp that has both a classroom and field component. They both spoke highly of this camp and have decided that this year they would return again.

The theme of the Environmental and Conservation Club is “Protecting our future through nature.” The organizers and students must be commended for having a mature attitude about a global problem that needs to be addressed on a daily basis. I also must laud the efforts of the National Trust and the Department of Environment for supporting this club by lending their resources. To the students, I wish you all the best and I am very proud of your efforts. We adults look forward to hearing your suggestions on how to improve the environment and we feel comforted in knowing that our future will be protected.
- Jason Allen

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