UWI’s 75th anniversary celebrations: tree planting, Dr. Violet Cuffy honoured with plaque

Dominicans are being encouraged to plant trees to further enhance the country’s environment.

This call came from President of Konmité Pou Etid KwéyòL (KEK), Raymond Lawrence who was addressing a Tree Planting and Dedication Ceremony organized by the University of the West Indies (UWI) Open Campus, Dominica on Thursday.

The event formed part of UWI’s 75th Anniversary celebrations.

Three trees were planted at that ceremony, Dominica’s National Flower, Bois Kwaib, a Curry Leaf Tree, and a Holywood Tree.

Pro-Vice Chancellor & Principal, UWI Open Campus Dominica, Dr. Francis Severin planted a tree on behalf of UWI, Forest Officer, Mr. Edmund McIntyre planted on behalf of the Forestry, Wildlife and Parks Division, while teacher of the Roseau Primary School Mrs. Sandalyne Thomas along with students Jaida Bernard and Twawouche Andrew planted on behalf of the Roseau Primary School.

“We are encouraging persons in Dominica and further afield to plant trees and to enhance our environment in Dominica,” Lawrence said. “During Hurricane Maria, we lost thousands of trees in Dominica, so we need to have replanting tree programs to replace all our losses.”

According to Lawrence, as Chairman of the Independence Committee which was put in place one year following Hurricane Maria, he introduced a tree planting day with the help of the Forestry Division.

“So I think we need the cooperation and collaboration of the forestry division, schools, and the public at large as we encourage everyone to plant trees throughout Dominica and to help restore trees that we lost and help enhance our environment and our beautiful Nature Island,” he stated.

This event also lends support to the country’s Creole Culture and Language.

It also paid tribute and honoured the memory of someone who was very passionate about Dominica’s Creole culture and its future, the late Dr. Violet Vyline Cuffy.

UWI dedicated its Bwa Mòwtèl/Immortal Tree on the UWI grounds, which was planted in August 2019 during the Dominica Country Conference, to the legacy of Dr. Cuffy.

Dr. Cuffy, who was a friend of UWI and KEK, before her untimely death in December 2021, had worked tirelessly to promote Dominica’s rich cultural heritage.

 A plaque was unveiled in honour of Dr. Cuffy in the presence of her family, friends, and invited guests.

At the time of her untimely passing, Dr. Cuffy had been a Senior Lecturer at the University of Bedforshire for four years.

She’s greatly missed by her family, friends, and loved ones.