First Dominicans to tackle Waitukubuli National Trail end hike

Eddie Henry, Director of the Waitukubuli National Trail Project greets Jerry Brisbane (left) and Clement Rabess (right) at the end of the hike

At 7.30 on Thursday evening local hiking enthusiasts, Jerry Brisbane and Clement Rabess arrived at Fort Shirley, Cabrits National Park, ending their six day hike across Dominica and thus becoming the first Dominicans to complete the whole of the 115 mile Waitukubuli National Trail (WNT) from one end to the other.

They were greeted by their wives, staff of the WNT, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, Mr. Samuel Carrette, and other supporters.

During a short ceremony Mr. Carrette presented the hikers with wood carvings by craftsman Francis Richards depicting the logo of the WNT and a map of Dominica as a trophy of their achievement.

The Director of the WNT Project Mr. Eddie Henry was the first to congratulate the two man team as they walked in from the darkness of the forest on the Cabrits to complete segment 14, the last segment of the trail.

Jerry Brisbane said that the most enchanting and challenging parts of the hike were segments eight and nine. Spectacular views, majestic rainforest, streams, waterfalls and masses of parrots and the demanding terrain made these segments of the trail the most memorable.

Brisbane thanked all who had helped them on their way especially the staff of the Marigot Hospital for assisting him when he suffered from dehydration, and also hunter Peter of Marigot for his help and guidance in the mountains.

Rabess extolled the virtues of the trail for education, tourism and building national identity. He is a leading representative of the Waitukubuli Ecological Foundation (WEF) which, when led by Bernard Wiltshire, laid the groundwork for launching the trail project.

A relieved Rabess (left) and Brisbane after the hike

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78 Comments

  1. Dominicans unite
    March 28, 2011

    These guys are trail blazers, congratulation gentlemen… I think there’s need to form a hikers team: ‘Trail Blazers’

  2. Mr Envious 6000 miles away
    March 24, 2011

    I would give my two front teeth for the opportunity to come over and walk the trail. Dominicans are without a doubt the luckiest people on the planet. Get those walking boots on everybody, heaven is on your doorstep.

  3. Mr Envious 6000 miles away
    March 24, 2011

    I would give my two front teeth to be able to come over and walk the trail. Dominicans are the luckiest people on the planet, no doubt about it.

  4. Horatio Alger, Jr
    March 21, 2011

    Jerry walk 115 miles and a half and he taylaylay! lol

  5. Anonymous
    March 21, 2011

    Ok so I actually thought that the whole point of this expedition was to experience the trail in all its glory. By this I mean that they would have slept under the stars and nt get ba to ‘civilization’ until they completed the trail. I didn’t realize that once completing a segment hat they would have gone to their dwelling house to enjoy the comforts of home : (

  6. naturelover
    March 20, 2011

    Congrats in order,big advert for the Trail surely,did some easier segments already really worth it–just-have to experience it and you will see why we are living in the best place on Earth, thanks to JAH

  7. Peace and love
    March 20, 2011

    Great story and wonderful achievement by these two men. I believe that they are the first to actually walk the full trail and it leaves me to think that some rules must be put in place to ensure that anyone who claims to have walked the full trail can prove that. Can anyone prove that the Welsh couple who claimed to be the first to do this trekking were actually the first? Someone’s idea earlier (I think it was Evolved) about the blogging the trek is excellent. Maybe DHTA during its HikeFest in May can take this on.

    Hope this trek is something that women alone can do too. Looking forward to seeing the first woman/women coming out of the darkness at Cabrits.

  8. zowenski
    March 20, 2011

    great move guys the next step…is to form political party fully as you shown you love Dominica
    thats how you get the process started….

  9. Muslim_Always
    March 19, 2011

    Congratulations gentlemen!

    This experience will add to your memoirs of our beautiful Dominica. I pray one day I can cover that trail as well. I learnt that Bernard Wiltshire is the one who initiated this project, is that true, if so, why hasn’t any recognition given to him?

  10. William McLawrence
    March 19, 2011

    CONGRATULATIONS to Jerry Brisbane and Clement Rabess for successfully completing all 14 segments of the Waitukubuli National Trail. This effort clearly demonstrates that the trail is accessible and all Dominicans must embrace the trail and take ownership of it because there is money to be made from the use of the trail. Communities all over Dominica, and particularly those in close proximity to the trail must prepare themselves to welcome the many persons who will be traversing the trail over time. Entrepreneurial activities such as provision of overnight accommodation, rest stops, food and beverage, business services to include internet cafes, secretarial services, mobile top up outlets, transportation, development of sites and attractions could help create jobs, revenues for communities etc. Village Councils and District Councils, Community Groups etc should all come forward and play a role. Like Jerry and Clement, let’s all come together and help make this initiative work for our benefit…

    • Anonymous
      March 23, 2011

      I don;t think so , leave the trail NATURAL. NO ;PAPER/PLASTIC CUPS OR PLATES.

  11. Negre Mawon
    March 19, 2011

    Congratulations to Gerry and Rabess…but I’m disappointed in you’all guys for not dropping by my
    camp in Morne au Diable. A delicious spread of roast agouti and bread fruit awaited you’all guys.
    Plus a deep muscle massage with faille twef soaked in sulphur mud.
    Anyway you achieved a great feat..historical!!.Next time bring along some of the cabinet ministers
    who look like they are exploding. Some of them need a make over..need to lose some pounds.

  12. Waz up buddy
    March 18, 2011

    Good job guys!! Brisbane, being dehydrated on the trail warrants a check up from the doctors the next time buddy.

  13. INTERPOL
    March 18, 2011

    WELL DOWN GUYS I HOPE I CAN COMPLET THE TRAIL ONE OF THOSE DAYS
    KEEP IT UP CHEERS

  14. Emil Ti Kwen
    March 18, 2011

    Long, long ago I used to be the head of a hiking club known as the Runners and Hikers club. Congratulations to all those responsible for the Waitukubuli Nation Trail and to Jerry Brisbane and Clement Rabess, the very first Dominicans to walk the complete trail.

  15. FED UP DOMINICAN
    March 18, 2011

    I am not a big fan of Mr. Brisbane, BUT this latest venture deserves a ‘well done’ nnd ‘congratulations’.

    I firmly believe in praising when others achieve. I refuse to let my mind be clouded by other peoples jealousy/negativity/bad mindedness/political biasness. Life is to short for pettyness, and I intend to continue setting my children/grandchildren a good example.

    We’ve told family and friends abroad about the WNT and they are excited about it, and cant wait to experience it. I agree with the comments relating to the tourist board using this as a way to advertise the trail.

    Looking forward to any pictures available, so that we can forward them to family and friends.

  16. what the hell are people thinking
    March 18, 2011

    but i did the whole trail christmas time when i was dominica in 4 days and i am dominican ( with british army training)

    • Bushmaninda
      March 18, 2011

      That is very interesting, how did you break down the segments

      • what the hell are people thinking
        March 19, 2011

        i did not i just followed the trails and maps posted on the trails and signs the trail is very beautiful at night some of the views over the vilages is spectacular at night

    • tete chien
      March 20, 2011

      shut the hell up. U should have friggin said something. too friggin late now.

  17. just a suggestion
    March 18, 2011

    This is a fantastic achievement and many congratulations to Mr Brisbane and Mr Rabess. But….. I understand the trail is estimated to take aprox. 2 weeks to complete. I was very glad to read some cruise ship passengers did a section of the trail when they stopped over, and I know there are hard-core hikers who just want to get in there. However, we really need visitors to come to Dominica and stay a while and take in the trail during their stay, interacting with the villages on the trail and having mini breaks in those villages, we dont want to encourage too many of them to do the trail in the shortest possible time and leave. We can start setting those records after the trail has been established for a few years.

  18. youth
    March 18, 2011

    some of you people set no example for us. geez. cant you just realise that its a way of promoting our island as the GREEN island. the way of attracting tourist. you all should be congratulating an not mixing politics with this. but wat we expect from you guys an then cry the youth nowadays have no future. tssssk

  19. Evolved
    March 18, 2011

    Well done Jerry – great job – you are a great ambassador for Dominica. I think that it is a pity that the Dominica Tourist Board did not take this great achievement and make it into a marketing activity for Dominica. For example they could have had you blog during the hike, you could have sent back pics, it could have been a huge PR activity – but I guess Mr. Piper was too busy with his useless travel to Berlin to attend ITB.

  20. TAINTED
    March 18, 2011

    Great job well done guys. This is one of the activities that families and youths can take on during the holidays, weekends. It’s great for the health, keeps one fit, and definitely get the youth some activity in their lives. My family, friends and I do alot of hiking sometimes 15-20 miles on our off day, and it’s just beautiful to enjoy nature at it’s best. Someday when I come home to visit I hope that I can do it too. We have alot to offer and I think with these terrains our young people can take advantage of it and become the best athletes not just in DA, or the carribbean but in the world. Again congrats guys and to DNO we need to highlight more positive stuff going on in our island. One love.

  21. Mapwey
    March 18, 2011

    Why does everything has to be a political thing for us dominicans? the man simply went on an adventure with nothing to do with state house or bill board, but some a#$ h#%# dominican have to talk shit…..when are we ever going to learn to grow up as dominican my gosh!!!!!!!!!

    • Waitukubuli
      March 18, 2011

      I know..stupzzzz.. they sicken me when i read those comments. I don’t know what is wrong with Dominicans….

      • Unpolitical
        March 18, 2011

        afterall… so the man cannot have other parts of life as colourfula s his political opinions? common.. this one was fro Dominica, nto the opposition, not breezie mart not ntohing.. for Dominica.

  22. Waitukubuli
    March 18, 2011

    Congratulations gentlemen. Well done! I can’t wait to start this beautiful adventure. Dominica is blessed.

    Check out the trail and the 14 segments on this website:
    http://agriculture.gov.dm/trail/

  23. Dominican to the bone!
    March 18, 2011

    Great JOB guys. Makes me wanna give this a try some day!!!! CONGRATS!!!!!

  24. EaSiLy
    March 18, 2011

    Well done gentlemen!

    After reading about your adventure it’s only obvious that someone like me will see this as a challenge. I’m definitely gonna break this record. Minus the dehydration of course!
    :-D

    • Me
      March 18, 2011

      Make sure you tell us when us break the record. :-D

      • Jayne
        March 18, 2011

        Hey EaSiLy I’m with you…we can do this…

  25. Flymike
    March 18, 2011

    Congratulations gentlemen on a job well done. Look forward in doing the same in the near future when the opportunity presents itself. Dominica is truly the land of the Lord and as sons and daughters of this blessed soil, we should appreciate its beauty. Let us all put our political differences aside and help Dominica shine. Soon Dominica is going to be the most visited country in the world. People from other countries will be taking refuge here in Dominica to escape civil unrest and devastion in their respective homeland. Let us all pray for peace, understanding, togetherness and stop pointing fingers at each other. Remember “united we stand, divided we fall”.

    Peace, love and tranquility.

  26. Hugo Grotius
    March 18, 2011

    Brisbane for Sisserou award.

    • de caribbean change, BBA, MBA, CPA
      March 18, 2011

      Hugo Grotius you need to get a real life.

  27. Zicack
    March 18, 2011

    Yeh Porssie I remember doing the “round the island Tripo” walking from Capuchine through scotshead going through the est Castle Bruct San Sauvere etc. Man these were the days. We would stop and cook ; sleep in schools hang out in the villages , enjoy some fresh fruits, Kassava bread yumi yum

    • for real
      March 20, 2011

      yeah, i was there too. with those peace corps workers! those were the days

  28. Nac Vibes
    March 18, 2011

    Well guys, i’m looking forward to walking the WNT on my next visit.One thing though I was suprised of the dehydration with all those rivers and streams all over Dominica.

  29. van
    March 18, 2011

    Very well done Gentlemen

  30. Porssie
    March 18, 2011

    That reminds me of my Boy scout days when we would go hiking and camping. I will always remember those beuatiful scenery and not forgetting Mr lestrad better known as BAWI BEF; at his age the man lead us through those old trails from Portsmouth through Capuchine , Penville and all the way across through Morne au Diable , and Morne Espaniole.
    I also remember the Geography Society and the Hiking club at PSS with Peace Corp volunteers like gamble and Uppergaurd. I enjoy those many hiking trips.
    Godd going – Gentlemen those type of activites build character

  31. say wat u want
    March 18, 2011

    congratulations to you guys for making recorded history . salutations to you guys very brave and couragious job well done; hip hip huray!!!! as a fan of adventure ,im very proud. i think im next to do it way to go.
    :lol: :-P :-P :-P :-P :oops:

  32. DPM
    March 18, 2011

    YeeeeeeeeeeeePeeeeeeeeeeeee!!! Congrats.

  33. Cerberus
    March 18, 2011

    Guys, you’ve whetted my appetite again. Whether I could do it in the record time you is doubtful but I’d love to see those wonderful sights before my time is up. You are really helping to put Dominica on the map without expense to the nation. Well done.

  34. de caribbean change, BBA, MBA, CPA
    March 18, 2011

    That’s exactly what Jerry needs to take – a hike. Uncloud your mind, Jerry, and take some medicine to feel good again. You can rest assured that you will not be invited for dinner at the State House when the Queen of England or the President of America or the Daila Lama are on official visits to Dominica. They will be served with manicou, agouti, mountain chicken, and some pepper-pot in a palatial setting with great ambience.

    • Wisdom
      March 18, 2011

      This is so sad. Do you have children? What do you teach your children? You read this story and thats your best comment? Where is the love in your heart? Are you that silly. Please pray for wisdom. Alot of us need this in this land. Congratulations to Mr. Rabess and Mr. Brisbane.

      • de caribbean change, BBA, MBA, CPA
        March 18, 2011

        to Wisdom – so sad the story. That’s you and Jerry needing to take a hike with a bike. The White House will be built by the hook or by the crook.

    • AHHA???
      March 18, 2011

      you find you making sense>>?? u sound like a fat a*& b**ch who needs a walk more than anyone else i can bet my last 25cents you are at KFC right now as we speak…. U empty barrelz sick me!!

      • de caribbean change, BBA, MBA, CPA
        March 18, 2011

        to AHHA – you are the empty barrels make the most noise. You and Jerry need to take a hike.

    • Observer
      March 18, 2011

      You have redefined the word, IDIOT!! You are so sad!

  35. A+
    March 18, 2011

    Congratulations gents!

  36. watchdog
    March 18, 2011

    Nice job gentlemen. Any pics taken along the route. Would be nice to see some of the things that you saw along the way. Looking forward…………………one day to do the hike.

  37. king man
    March 18, 2011

    congratulations to you both, well done. i wish Mr. Brisbane will be the first to visit the president when his new office is completed.

  38. MUDD
    March 18, 2011

    CONGRATS! But is this kind of things Brisbane should be doing instead of crying down Skerrit and what they are doing. He had a right to be dehydrated because he was thinking of Skerrit as he was walking the trail. Brisbane needs to do more of that and some family time with his family. WHO VEX LOST

    • don't hate
      March 18, 2011

      Get a life………..

    • Neutral
      March 18, 2011

      With simple minded idiots like you DA will never move forward. There is such a thing as being involve in the welfare of your country which means you contribute in myriad ways. You moo moo!

    • hmm2
      March 18, 2011

      mudd , your name says it all , doesnt it !!!!

    • stupessss
      March 19, 2011

      you are so sick is jerry that make you haven’t got family to spend time with, your empty corn shell you sicken me and the dominican public at large

  39. My two cents
    March 18, 2011

    Well Done Gentlemen….You have Earned the right give advice on tricks to successfully complete the hike!!! Relating to your own experience in every council

  40. Anonymous
    March 18, 2011

    That’s lovely. I’m sure it was an amazing experiencing Dominica like that. Congratulations gentlemen. Some pics would be nice.

  41. fair
    March 18, 2011

    well done

  42. Bawi boy
    March 18, 2011

    Let me be the first to say Congrats! WEll done. I hope to imitate you guys soon. Well done!

  43. unkowned
    March 18, 2011

    Congratulation Mr. Brisbane and Mr. Rabess well done

  44. Walker
    March 18, 2011

    Congratulations. May many follow in your footsteps.

  45. Anonymous
    March 18, 2011

    Congrats, i wonder if the hikers removed pictures so we can see what it looks like.

    Once again, Congratulation

    • Piper
      March 18, 2011

      Remove picture? :lol: :lol: 8-O 8-O

      • Deoborah
        March 18, 2011

        “Remove pictures” – this is just local parlance, are you so “hoity toity” now that you want to pretend as if you are not aware of the local phrase

    • jah
      March 18, 2011

      want them to “wash” the film too?:-D

      LOL

  46. Safe-sexer
    March 18, 2011

    Congratulations Gentlemen on your achievement.

  47. .......
    March 18, 2011

    Congratulations Eddie you have taken that project to is completion, Mahaut Massive!!!!!

  48. pedro
    March 18, 2011

    Congrats! well done! Also thanks DNO for the good job, highlighting these great stories

  49. Piper
    March 18, 2011

    CONGRATULATIONS GUYS.

    This is something I plan to do the next time I visit DA. I have always thought that promoting local activities (tourism) is always a good thing for Dominica.

  50. Friendly
    March 18, 2011

    wow congratulations, sounds like hard work

  51. mouth of the south
    March 18, 2011

    dehydration oh my,,,, did not stock up enough fluids,,,, that’s one thing i’d like to do one day,,,, maybe that would be six days of no d.n.o n make alot of folks very happy

    • 40 and loving it
      March 18, 2011

      they would really miss u wi, MOTS… :lol: :lol: :lol:

  52. oh my my my
    March 18, 2011

    CONGRATULATIONS MAYBE SOMEDAY WHEN I GET THE CHANCE I’D LOVE TO TRY IT OUT TOO.

  53. Seriously Speaking
    March 18, 2011

    Great job! I believe this was a more worthy venture than the black and white billboards. Then again you’re spending YOUR money so………..

  54. Interesting...
    March 18, 2011

    Great achievement gentlemen!!! I wouln’t even think of attempting this…

  55. pure dominican
    March 18, 2011

    Waw. This makes me proud.I would like to take up the challenge.my next vacation to dominica this will be on my list

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