Grenville Vale, P.O. Box 862, St. George's, Grenada.
INTERNSHIPS
Caribbean Institute for sustainable island living inspiring the next generation
Interns completing the 2021 Caribbean Institute for Sustainable Island Living (CISIL) Summer Internship say they are grateful for the quality learning and hands on experiences now inspiring them for the future. The young people began the programme at the Jessamine Eden Farms on July 12 focusing on plant science, soil science and apiculture. In a combination of classroom and in the field experiences, the interns learnt the proper technique to collect and test soil samples for nutrients/chemicals present, propagation techniques (eg. vivipary and cuttings), plant management techniques and apiary management. Jessamine Eden is home to over 135 species of medicinal herbs and 22 types of palm trees and the interns researched and learnt to identify many species.
Speaking of her experience Eboné Naomi Sylvester, a St. George’s University student pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Marine Biology and Wildlife Conservation says she is inspired to take a more environmental track with her studies to become an advocate in the future. She added, “what stood out to me was learning about the terroir or provenance of a place, meaning the factors that contribute to a place being unique such as the soil, topography and climate.”
20 year old Jahim Lee was the youngest intern in the programme. Remarking about the internship he said, “Soil testing was a big experience for me and I feel happy that I can actually conduct a soil test now. I will also definitely be using cutting techniques in the future.” Lee says he wants to get deeper into the family farming business and even expand.
Annil Sampson says he now has a greater appreciation for the hard work and processes that go into creating results on a farm. “I will use my knowledge about plant propagation and planting techniques to plant my own cocoa, citrus and avocado trees,” said Sampson.
Apart from the scientific learning, the six-week summer internship climaxed with a self-development session titled ‘Social skills for pleasant interactions on the job.” The session facilitated by Protocol & Etiquette Training Consultant Alice Thomas Roberts covered a number of topics including emotional intelligence and teamwork for success.
Formerly launched Earth Day April 22, 2009, CISIL is a non-profit organization whose mission is to empower Caribbean people to live well in harmony with the environment through education, advocacy and community engagement.
Internship highlights
Interns conducting soil tests at Jessamine Eden Farms
Dr. Jessamy speaking to intern about medicinal plants
CISIL SCHOLARSHIP
This year our scholarship is awarded to Eboné Sylvester for her tuition at the St. George’s University. CISIL’s scholarship programme is funded through donations from JECO Caribbean Inc. which previously awarded three (3) scholarships. Handing over the cheque to the St. Andrew’s school teacher was Advisory Board Director Jerry Edwin. “Eboné is a hard worker, very pleasant; she’s a dreamer. She reminds me of myself at a younger age. We want her to put all her energy into her studies knowing that her tuition is paid,” said Founder Dr. Valma Jessamy.
Meet the Interns
Keisha Charles
27-year-old Keisha Charles is clear in her mind what she wants to do for the future, become a medical doctor. From a young age, she recalls her interest in investigating her surroundings and experimenting on things she learnt at school and this interest that has propelled her in the direction of the medical field.
Keisha who grew up in Market Square, Gouyave Estate, St.John’s attended the St.Peter’s Roman Catholic School then the Happy Hill Secondary School obtaining 9 CXC passes. At the T.A. Marryshow Community College, she achieved an Associate’s degree in Natural Sciences. Her love for learning new things and science sparked her interest in the Summer Internship and learning more about medicinal plants, bee keeping and other areas.
Keisha is hoping to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Biology at the St.George’s University in the future before her medical degree. Her life motto is, ‘Keep moving forward and never give up.’
Jahim Lee
20-year-old Jahim Lee hails from the community of Douglaston in St.John. He attended the St.John’s Anglican Primary School, then the St. Rose Modern Secondary School where he obtained 7 CXC subject passes including Agriculture.
Jahim says he loves Agriculture and watching plants grow. That love comes from his home environment and his father who always brought young Jahim along with him to the family garden where they planted corn, lettuce among other crops. In the future, his dream is to have his own farm. Jahim’s life motto is, ‘Work hard and evolve.’
Eboné Naomi Sylvester
27-year-old Eboné Sylvester is passionate about nature and wishes to be an advocate for environmental protection in the future. This love for the environment started from her childhood days between Carriacou and Conference, St. Andrews growing up tending to animals and spending quiet time in nature especially at the beach which she lived close to.
Eboné attended the St.Andrew’s Anglican Primary School, then the St. Andrew’s Anglican Secondary School where she obtained 8 CXC subject passes. She then attended the T.A. Marryshow Community College, achieving an Associate’s Degree in General Studies with Biology as one of her disciplines.
Eboné is currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree programme in Marine Biology and Wildlife Conservation at the St.George’s University. Her goal is to gain a deeper understanding of our oceans and environment, ultimately becoming a ‘voice that speaks for nature.’ Eboné’s life motto is, ‘Walking over the negativity whilst embracing the positivity life has to offer.’
Annil Sampson
Meet 22-year-old Annil Sampson of Park View St. John. His love for the land and Agriculture began at a tender age when his grandfather, a descendant of a plantation owner and farmer instilled in him that he should, ‘eat what you grow and grow what you eat.’ From then on, Annil had his own back yard garden in which he planted peppers, lettuce, chive and tomatoes.
Annil attended the St. John’s Anglican Primary School then went on to the St.Rose Modern Secondary School. At Secondary School, Annil turned his focus to sports but in form 4, his teacher encouraged him to do Agricultural Science which he eventually obtained a CXC pass in. Annil remains passionate about Agriculture and hopes to pursue a career in Aquaponics in the future. His life motto is, ‘Never lose hope, keep a positive mindset.’
Our Previous Interns
Tehillah Bannis from Dominica
We say thank you to Ms. Bannis for her passion and diligence as our intern. We wish her the very best in the future.
Education programme
Lecture Series
Lecture Series
Lecture Series
Monthly lectures are held by leading experts and community leaders on a wide range of environment and sustainable development issues affecting our islands. These events are designed to leave audiences energized to get into action and create change.
WORKSHOPS
Lecture Series
Lecture Series
Workshops are practical demonstrative and educational, leaving participants with know-how and techniques to tackle environmental management issues. Programs will be geared to the Business and Environment Council providing pathways for voluntary compliance and contribute to meeting 2030 sustainable development goals.
SEMINARS
Lecture Series
SEMINARS
Our seminar series will delve deeper into specific technical issues such as:
1. Environmental Audits
2. Environmental Impact Assessments.
3. Energy Audits
4. Green Design
5. Indoor Air Quality, Health & Safety
