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UK team in BVI to replant local botanic gardens

The J.R. O’Neal Botanic Gardens was severely impacted by the the September 2017 hurricanes. (BVI News photo captured February 8, 2018)

A team from the United Kingdom-based Royal Botanic Gardens Kew are currently providing specialist assistance to replant vegetation in the J.R. O’Neal Botanic Gardens.

The four-acre garden located in Road Town was completely ravaged by the hurricanes last September.

“They are here to help us in a number of ways but specifically as it pertains to the botanic gardens,” said Minister of Natural Resources, Dr Kedrick Pickering.

He made the announcement this week at a public meeting on the proposed recovery plan for the British Virgin Islands.

According to the minister, the team will be replanting what he described as rare plant species that are ‘more resilient’ to future disasters.

“That is a very exciting prospect for us,” he said.

Dr Pickering said he is also hoping to access additional funding to bring the garden back to its former glory.

He did not specify the amount he is hoping to receive.

Based on government’s proposed Recovery and Development Plan, $8.45 million will be allocated to restore and develop national parks across the territory.

This section of the perimeter fence at the J.R. O’Neal Botanic Gardens was severely damaged.

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10 Comments

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  1. Guest says:

    Marijuana is a plant also, keep that in mind. We need a sample of ALL the botanicals of the world marijuana included.

  2. Eagle eye says:

    Yall make it look like locals cant do anything

    • Anonymity says:

      Kew Gardens and the National Parks Trust have had a good working relationship for a longtime, it is not just a now thing. Politicians don’t need to be taking any credit. Kudos goes to the hard working National Parks Staff and the Staff from Kew.

    • Bruce Potter says:

      New York City used thousands of outside specialists in their recovery from Hurricane Sandy, including things like planning subway tunnel rebuilding and repair. It is essential that local people define local needs and conditions, not that they do all the work.

  3. Idea says:

    Conduct fundraisers and start a club called friends of the botanical garden. Stop pulling on the public purse strings for everything that needs fixing. I would contribute if you solicit funds to replace the plants. It cant be all that expensive after all.

  4. Think! says:

    Please make sure the previous local herb garden is part of the plan.

  5. Karla Allen says:

    Over in the US Virgin Islands, their Friends of The VI National Park have done amazing things for that park!!! They do a big fundraiser twice a year(Children’s Village at July 4th makes a ton of money), so you all could do something similar if & when you form a group to take care of Kew Gardens, that is a lovely, quiet place to spend some time!!!

  6. renatara says:

    Exhausted from the day’s work, we waited until the following day to replant the mature specimens.

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