22 more seagrape trees planted & named in honour of deceased community builders
The trees were planted in honour of these men and women on Saturday, March 15, 2025, at Long Bay, Beef Island during the continuation of an initiative to replant and name 100 segrape trees as part of the Long Bay, Beef Island Management Plan.
The initiative which started in June 2024, is spearheaded by the Ministry of the Environment, Natural Resources and Climate Change in partnership with the H. Lavity Stoutt Community College (HLSCC) with funding from Unite BVI.
Family gathered to plant seagrape trees in their ancestor’s honour
According to a press release from the ministry on Monday, March 17, 2025, the twenty-two seagrape trees planted on Saturday are in honour of the following deceased Virgin Islanders from the Seventh and Eighth Districts who made significant contributions to community development, particularly in environmental protection, history and culture, education, farming, fishing, boat building, and other key aspects of socio-economic development:
- Glanville Chalwell
- Kenneth Chalwell
- Iva Chalwell
- Estelle Dawson & Alexander Dawson
- Vernon, Carol, and Julien Dawson
- Christopher Flemming
- Helen Malone Frett
- Watkin Frett and Hilda Frett (aka Ms. Baby)
- Antwin George
- Malcolm Luther George and Izeta Rosena Pickering George
- Agusta Jennings
- Ilva Fahie Lettsome
- Ivan Lettsome
- Terrence B. Lettsome
- Vernon Malone, QPM, LLB, CPA
- Basil Penn, Jr.
- Robelteen Smith (aka Ms Teen)
- Mosses Stevens
- Dena Thomas (aka Denacris)
- Leonard Thomas
- Ophelia Tomau (aka Feeley)
- Alton Turnbull
Among those honoured were the late former legislator and Commissioner of Police, Mr Vernon E. Malone, QPM, LLB, CPA who hailed from Long Look.
His wife Mrs Icis A. Malone and their son Mr Malcolm Malone participated in the event.
Mrs Malone said the tree planting initiative is “a powerful symbolisation of faith, courage and a strong sense of Virgin Islands pride…What greater appreciation can there be than by putting their memories of great courage and sacrifice at the frontline of these islands where their memories and presence are firmly rooted in the sand of our great shores”.
Restoring VI’s historic seagrape treeline
The Seagrape Tree Planting Initiative is part of a mission to restore the historic seagrape treeline that was impacted by the 2017 Hurricanes Irma and Maria.
Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of the Environment, Natural Resources and Climate Change, Dr Ronald F. Smith-Berkeley said, “Seagrape trees are vital for protecting our beaches from future erosion caused by hurricanes and swells, providing important nesting habitat for sea turtles, and offering shade for beachgoers,”
Dr Smith-Berkeley explained that seagrape trees hold deep cultural significance in addition to their environmental benefits.
Nominations now open for names of remaining trees
A total of 58 seagrape trees have been planted since the initiative began and the public can submit nominations for the naming of the remaining 42 trees by March 21, 2025.
Nominations may be submitted by completing the online form at bvi.gov.vg/environment or by contacting the ministry on 468-2147.
“We encourage the public to join us in this meaningful Initiative,” Dr Smith-Berkeley said.
The seagrape tree plantings continue on Sunday, March 23, 2025, and Saturday, March 29, 2025.
Family members of those who will be honoured as well as members of the wider community are invited to participate.
Plantings will begin at 8:00 AM and participants are asked to gather at the roundabout area at the centre of the beach by 7:45 AM.
The ministry encouraged those wishing to participate in the upcoming seagrape tree plantings to carry along their water in a reusable bottle and wear long sleeves, closed shoes, and gloves to ensure a safe and comfortable experience.
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34 Responses to “22 more seagrape trees planted & named in honour of deceased community builders”
I have to completely disagree with you on this one. Keeping the beach “as they remembered it” is a fantasy. The world evolves, and so does the landscape. Planting trees in honour of community builders is a meaningful and tangible way to celebrate their legacy far more impactful than clinging to some nostalgic version of the past. Plus, those seagrape trees will outlive any fleeting tourist dollar, providing shade, beauty, and a reminder of the people who made a difference. Romanticizing the past won’t protect the future rebuilding and replanting will.