' 0 " Novem ber 1990

Jamaican Geographer ew 'letter of the Jamaican Geographical Societ.y

Iguanas not extinct: but habitat protection vital The searchfo r the Jamaican Iguana ,(Cyclura rollei) in the llellshire Hills , August - Septem­ber 1990

Rhema Kerr

The Jamaican Iguana, (Cyclura collet) belongs to a sub-family of iguanid lizardss found only in the Greater Antilles. The Jamaican representative of these large her­bivorous creatures was thought to have been extirpated from mainland Jamaica around the tum of the century, although a colony on the nearby Goat Island surv ived until the 1940s. The last specimen to have been recorded was a dead individual killed in 1969, although unconfirmed reports oflarge ground dwelling lizards continued up until the mid-I 970s. All this changed on June 5th when a pig bunter caught an iguana that had been located by his dogs, and gave the live animal to the Hope Zoo. Here, Peter Vogel (Department of Zoo1­ogy , U W I) and Tom Farr (Institute of

Jamaica) confirmed it to be the Jamaican species.

Sadly , the animal had been injured by the dogs, and never adjusted to captivity. It died six weeks after its capture, despite the efforts of the Hope Zoo staff, Ministry of Agriculture veterinarians, and visiting Cyclura breeder David Blair from California, and advice from other herpetologists such as Quentin Bloxam, Curator of reptiles at the Jersey Wildlife Preservation Trust in the UK Channel Islands and Ramon Noegel, of the Life Fellowship Sanctuary in Florida.

Despite this setback , the capture of the animal did accomplish several very important things. It confirmed the continued existence of the species in Hellshire , and was a timely reminder of the importance of the Hellshire Hills as one of the best and most extensive tracts ofdry limestone forest in the Cari bbean . There is now a new urgency to protect this storehouse of Jamaica 's natural and ar­chaelogical heritage.

Concrete action resulting from the re-dis­covery of the iguana includes the establishment of a multi-agency task force . The ta,sk force , whose members are drawn from UWI, NRCD, The Institute of Jamaica and the Hope Zoo has prepared an action plan for the recovery of the species. One of the first measures proposed and currently underway is a survey of the Hellshire area to gather data on population size, distribution and immediate threats to the continued survival of the lizards. This information will be essential to the preparation of a management plan for the iguana and its habitat.

The interest in the Jamaican iguana, both locally and internationally, attests to the sig­nificance of the finding. The World Wildlife Fund-US is sponsoring the initial fieldwork. A number of Cyclura researcbers have also indicated their interest and willingness to be­come involved in the project .

Although the initial survey is almost com­plete , and much is stilJ unknown, the stage is being se t for the second phase of tbe race 10

save the Jamaican iguana. It is nOI given to many people , the chance to rescue a species from the edge of extinction. It is hoped that all Jarnaicarus will make the effort 10 do whatever is required to save the species.

Rhema Kerr is Curator of Hope Zoo, and President of the Natural History Society of Jamaica. T Shirt s with a print of an Iguana on the front are available from the Natural History Society.

Adult male Ground Iguanas are reportedly at least five feel in length, and weigh around J() lbs . There are 8 ex/ant island species of Iguana in tilt' Carib­bean, and at least Ld in recorded history .

(pho Peter Vogel)

Jamaican Geographer (3 J. November 199O - J

Wait - a- bit

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

The 1990 AGM was held on June 16th at the Senior Common Room. UWI. and V:as the best attended in many years. The occasion was used to honour Dr AJan Eyre. who is retiring from UWI in September and has made an outstanding contribution to the JGS over his distinguished career. Guest speaker was His Excellency Professor Ade Adefuye, Nigerian High Commissioner to Jamaica.

. The pr~diogswere chaired by outgoing Vice President, Michael Tharlrur. Claudia James' Presidential Address reviewed the Society's work over the past 12 months out­lined current projects and plans, and reflected on the role of the Society and geographers in the region.

Our guest speaker, His ExceUency Profes­s~r A~e Adefuye, himself a distinguished historian, spoke on the topic 'The geog­rapher in the service of the nation' . His erudite speech touched on the nature of modem geog­raphy, and congratulated the JGS on its growth over a 30 year period.

He implored members to stress to the younger generation the interrelationships be­tween geography and other disciplines, and the basic fact thai geography bridges the gap between the physical and biological sciences on the one hand, and the social sciences on the other. This was particularly important for people in developing countries, where there is a need for a united approach among people and professionals. With the virtual end of the cold war, the collapse of dictatorial and minority regimes all over the world, the chal­le~ge ~f the 90s and the twenty-first century will shift from the resolution of political con­flicts 10 economic development and the preservation of the environment.

Professor Adefuye suggested that the JGS should be in the forefront of the effort to exploit the resources of the Jamaican soil and environmenl in order to achieve greater production, particularly in food production. He felt there should 31.,0 be much more contact among citizens of the Caribbean than at presenL

Eleanor Jones addressed the gathering and made .the presentation of awards to Dr Eyre. speaking with affection and humour 00 his outstanding contributions as a researcher, en­

2 -s Jamaican Geographer (3), November 1990

vironmentalist and teacher over the years. Dr Eyre, in graciously receiving the awards and comenting on the upsurge of media interest in his views and contributions to the current en­vironmental debate, dubbed the week 'Eyre week'. Dr Eyre became the Society's fourth life member.

Dawn Cyrus and Orrell Walker, Secretaries in the Geography Department. UWI, received gifts in appreciation of their assistance especially in helping JGS members keep in touch with the Society 's meetings and field trips.

Refreshments, on the lawns on the SCR preceeded the business meeting. A new fea~ ture was a report by the Membership Secretary, the oewly-created poston Council . Fitzroy Williams, outgoing Membership Secretary, noted that the Council's member­ship drive had successfully increased membership to 95 ordinary members and 33 s~udent members. the highest in the Society 's history, and urged members to continue 10

actively recruit new members.

Nominations for Council were taken and a new Council duly elected (see p8) . Claudia James was unanimously returned as President. ~ay-Dawn Simon, our longstanding, outgo­109 Secretary, received a presentation in appreciation of her dedicated and meticulous service.

During a lengthy 'any other business ' many points were debated, in particular. the format of the Treasurer's Report, the progress of the Newsletter, and the prospects for a regional association of geographers in the Caribbean. The proceedings closed 10 the great relief of a few members, who bad been anxiously watching the clock approach kick­off time for the next World Cup match.

Tbe JGS would like to thank the Pegasus Hotel and the Coffee Terrace, Devon House for providing refreshments at the AGM. This was the second successive year in which the Pegasus bas assisted in this way .

Dr EYRE RETIRES FROM UWI

Dr .L.AJan Eyre, a founder member. past President and now life-member of the JGS retired from UWI in September, after a long ~ distinguished academic career. Early retirement was precipitated by diagnosis of multiple sclerosis, a debilitating illnesswhich has made teaching for long periods increasing­ly difficult for him .

Born in Leeds, England, AJan came to Jamaica in the early 19505. His association with Mona campus began soon afterwards when, as part of his duties at th Government Survey Department, he taught at the survey school, then located on campus.

He was one of a small group of geog­raphers who, in 1958, founded the Jamaican Chapter of the Geographical Association, forerunner of the JGS. Alan was in a small group who, again in 1958. registered for the first geography degrees at the University Col­lege ofthe West Indies.These early geography graduates were self-taught: they sat external London University geography exams, but there were no geography lecturers (nor lec­tures) on campus. Whilst studying for his degree. he taught at Rusea's School in Lucca and Manchester School in Mandeville.

In 1963 he was prominent amongst tbe Jamaican geographical community who (for­m.alIy) lobbied the University Vice-Chancellor for the creation of a geog­raphy department at UWl . The move was successful, and following a visit and appraisal by Professor Elkins (then, of University of Sussex), geography was established at Mona initially as a sub-department of geology. AI~ Eyre and Ann Norton were its first two lec­turers.

Dr Eyre obtained a doctorate from the University ofMaryland in the late 19605 earn­ing his keep by working in the research

archi.ves of the Library of Congress, Washington DC. He then briefly held an ap­pointment at Florida Atlantic University. Boca Raton. before returning to UWl. He was appointed Senior Lecturer and Head of Department in 1973, and Reader in Physical Geography in 1984.

Dr Eyre's literary output has been quite remarkable. His curriculum vitae boasts near­ly 100 items; more than 50 have been

Wait - a- bit

publi shed in re fereed journals , as ch apters in books or in co nference proceedings, and it includ es school geography books, an atlas , and a large number of book reviews and com­missioned reports. He has presented dozens o f papers al international. regional and local con­Icrcnces . symposia and workshops. These include a presentation in 1985 to a Technical Symposium of the UN's Committee for tile

Peaceful Uses of Outer Space in New York and a paper to the plenary session of a UN sponsored confe rence on Space and Forest Management in Dresden in October of this year. He has been consultant to the Ministry of Housing, the Jamaican Tourist Board and the Survey Department.

His writings have not been confined to the scientific community. His views have found e xp re ss io n widely in the local media; newspapers, magazines, TV and radio, and have carnt him a reputation as one of Jamaica 's leading and most outspoken en­vironmentalists.

His intellectual and research interests span a wide range of field", in the best eclectic traditions of geography. Recent work has focussed on deforestation and environmental degradation , but he has also published on remote sensing, climate and weather, hur­ricanes, flooding. desertification, Jamaican shanty towns, political tribalism and gan g ter­ritories in Kingston, rastafarianism, botanical gardens, biographical studies, and the maroon wars . He has published articles about Australia, India, the United States, China and several Caribbe an countries. He has super­vised live Ph.D students in geography at UW l.

AJan has visited over seventy countries , sixty of which lie in the tropics. Many of his trips were for research purposes or to con­ferences. but his church work also enabled him to travel extensively; he is a devout Chris­tadelphian who has researched andpublished on the bible lands of the MiddJe East.

His penchant for fieldwork and his en­cyclopaedic knowledge ofevery hill and gully in Jamaica are unsurpassed. Anyone who has accompanied him in the field. whether as col ­league or student. interested observer or innocent bystander. knows he can produce a local fact. anecdote or story almost at will. and certainly on cue. His sense of drama and humour are acute and be has the uncanny

Iguanas, Signposts and Breakfast TV

Till' rediscovery of tile Ground Iguana in tile l l ellshire Hills is one ofthe most exciting events in recent decades f or those interested in Jamaican wildlife . D esp it e low -key media interest here. we should not underes­timat e its sign ificance within tile interna ­tional co nservation movement. nor tilepres­tige which will be bestowed upon Jamaica if tile continued survival of this astonishing, f our feet long reptile can be engineered,

T h e Ilel lsh ire Hills, like Cockpit Country, the high ridge of th e Blue Moun­talus and the Black River morass, are precious wildern ess areas which we have the ability 10 preserve intact, as our children '» en vironmental heritage. Or we can allow these habitats and unique as­semblages of flora and fauna 10 be irre vocably destroyed, whether by careless negle ct or inappropriate development. Howe ver, neither ecological platitudes nor conservational rhetoric will protect the iguana or any other endangered Jamaican species from ex ti nction . Actions speak loude r th an words, and the prompt response and direct practical steps taken by Rhema Kerr, Peter Vogel and their dedi­catcd team deserve our fullest support.

Less heartening; even distressing, are Pili! Nissen' s controversial revelations ( see page 5).Although the teachers in his sample were not geographers, the results suggest alarmingly poor levels of geographical kno wledge. even amongst Jamaican profes­.Vi01UJls. Wlrich begs a question: how did vou f are in OUT simple Caribbean places q;Uz? (page 4).

knack of being in the right place at the wrong time, or the wrong place at the right time. And ho w many people have a fossil named after them (Vaccinites eyrei) - found whilst teach­ing at Rusea 's in Hanover.

Desp ite retirement from UWI , Dr Eyre will continue his research, writing and publi-

Tmprovin g b a s ic g eog rap hica l knowledge and the quality of geog raphical educati on ill schools not only concerns us her e in Jamaica . In tire UK , lire well-or­g anised geog rap h y lobby has ju st succe ssfu lly p ersuaded the Minister of Educat ion to adopt geography as a core subject in schools ,as part ofthe new nation­al curriculum. But it was a decision reached only after a long, hard-fought campaign to convince sceptics of tire usefulness ofgeog­raphy as a school subject .

In the United States, ignora nce of fore ign countries and cultures is endemic in a nation which is , ironically, a melting pot ofpeoples , and it is symptomatic of tire low status of geography in US schools. Not too long ago.a US national survey IUJd revealed a lamentably poor knowledge ofother parts of the world amongst Americans . It prompted ABC TV to introduce a 'Geographically Speaking ' slot on their na­tionally networked breakfast TV show 'Good Morning America' . Starting in Sep­tember 1989, Professor llarm de Blij (Department of Geography, University of Miami , and editor of National Geographic Resea rch) became something of a household name. eruditely commenting on world events and places in 'lie news. The term 'a rmcha ir geographer ' was on ce derisory. but in front of a breakfast IV audience oftens of millions. it takes on new meaning and uesfulness . Nuffrespect is due to those whose interlocutorary talents can so entertain and inform, and persuade others ofgeography's worth.

Editor

cation from home. AJthough he has stepped down from the JGS Council , he is stiU active in the JGS. and continues to encourage, sup­port and inject valuable contributions to the work of the Society.

Jamaican Geographer (3 ). November 1990-3

Classroom Georgaphy

800K REVIEW

Bahamian Landscapes: an introduction to the geography of the Bahamas. by Neil E.Se aley. (Colli ns Caribbean , 1985, 96p : ISBN 0003294455)

Reviewer: David Miller

Not too long ago. s tudents of physical geog­rapby in the Caribbean bad to be taught tbe subject entirely with the ass istance of texts packed with examples of processes and landforms from other regions of the world far removed from what the students could ex­perience on their own doorstep. In recent years a most welcome trend has emerged in that there are now a few books on offer dealing with the Ca ribbean env ironment and landscapes . Nei I Sea le y , with his book BahamianLandscapes has made a most use ful addi tion to this sm all collection of boo ks deal ­ing specifically with the physical geography of the Caribbean . He attributes much of the book to a compilation and presentation of the work of other people, but here he is doing himself an injustice in that the book is the result of his own energy and love for the Bahamian landscape .

In simple terms the Bahama." arc the sur ­face expression o f a p latform formed of a range of carbonate se diments sep arate d by deeper troughs and canyons which feed into the deep abyssal plain of the Atlantic Ocean .

1besix chapters largely speak for thernse l­ves and logically progress from ex tended geological time over hundreds of mil lions of years to the present landscape, fashioned over the last two million years or so, and finall y onto the recent exploitation of the natu ral resources.

Chapter I is a simplified description of the geology of tile Bahamas and accounts for the origin and structure of the Bahamas pl atform in the wider context of the development of the Atlantic Ocean. It also explains why IDe plat ­form is dissected by submarine troughs and canyons and why the deeper trou ghs rece ive less sediment than the shallower banks .

Chapter 2 looks at the geology of the shal ­low water banks in more detail a n d particularly the sedimentation process - the producers and the characteristics of the sedi ­

4 - Jama ican Geographer (3 ) . November 1990

ment. The use of a simple analogy whcn ex ­plaining the sedimentation process is a good one: the banks are likened to buckets of sand - the walls of the buckets being the coral reefs built up over millions of years . It is amazing to think thai the Bahamas arc largely due to the building efforts of small green calcareous algae - especially Halimeda.

Chapter 3 continues to look at tbe geologi ­cal processes, describing and explaining lbc deeper water submarine troughs and v-shaped

canyons and outlining the ways by wbich these deeper water areas have been inves ­tigated. The sediments of the trough" are also described. some be ing deep abyssal oozes. whilst others -are the excess produced at and removed from the banks partly by turb id ity currents - a submarine process not dissimilar to landsliding.

Ln Chapter 4 the more recent geological history of the Bahamas platform is explained during which time sea-levels have fluctuated. in short the result of glacial and interglacials whereby more or less wa ter than present has been periodically bound up as ice.

At periods of lower sea -level more of the platform emerged to become dry land when wind action redeposited the bank sediments, wh ich remain as fossilised dunes and ridges O ther e vidence fo r lower se a -level is de sc ribed as is evidence for hi gher than present sea -level , including fossil raised coral reefs, not ched cliffs. raised beaches and lime ­stones laid do wn in the sea but now exposed.

Chapter 5 takes a look at the present day land scape and landfonns of the islands which can be d ivided principall y into ridge land, rockl and , wetland and coastland. The main componen t') o f each of these eleme nts are described and explained in tum, inclu ding so me of the fantastic subaerial and drowned cave systems of the islands.

In the final chapter the natu ral resou rces of the Bahamas are ex plored. Salt and aragonit e are the major natural reso urces already ex ­pl oited whil st the likely occu rrence o f pe troleum and the current state of oil explora ­tion on tbe platform is also inve stigated.

This small 96-page book is lavishly il­lustrat ed w ith 109 simple and e asil y understood figures and plates . whilst 16tables of data complement the text. A small bibli og­

raphy directs the reade r to additional more detai led sources of information,

Overall the book is :U1 excellent simplified summary which creates all awareness of 11K: geological and geomorphological processes at work and the landforms that have resulted. One small critic ism is thai it caters primarily for the local teacher and student and assumes the reader i.s familiar with geography of the Bahamas. Occasionally . det ailed place names crop up and it becomes nece ssary to consult more detailed maps of the islands than appear in the book.

Bahamian Landscapes is a valuable hook for teachers and s tudents in Jamaica. Although it deals with Bahamas, modern con cepts and terms in physical geography are well C~ ­

plained and simplified. and many of rhexc processes operate ill Jamaica. As geographers . we should also attempt to broaden our ho rizons beyond Jamaica. and a look at

Bahamian Landscapes is an ideal opportunity to do so.

Ne il Sealey must be congratulated on a book that is both instructive and a 1I10s1 enjoy ­able read. a hook which successfully summarise s and simpli lies much of the detailed research that has been carried out in the Bahamas. Bahamian Landscapes is an ex ­cellent starter book for anyone wishing to know more about ibe physical geography and natural resources of the Bahamas. I fully recommend it.

CARIBBEAN PL ACES QUIZ 1. Which ce ntra l American country does not

have a C aribbean coastline? 2. I s Havana on th e north or south coast of

Cuba? .1.To which Caribb ean territory does the island

of Marie GalanJe belong? 4. Which is th e largest island in th e B ahamas? 5. In which political grouping of islan d s is

Tortola? 6. Does S uriname lie east or west of French

Guiana? 7. What is the principal town ofNevis? 8. Is the Grenadine island ofC arriacou part of

Grenada or St Vincent? 9. Wh ich island lie s immediately north west of

St Kilts? 10. Of which Caribbean territory is Marigotthe

capital?

The Cockpits

Of Sign Posts and Map Scales Phillip Nissen

of teachers working in a totally ve rbal mode A number of questions on a mathematics test o f thinking. They do not try to make a mental set to 445 teachers, who had been teaching for map, or for that matter sketch a phys ical map,an average of 14 years , have implications not but look for a verbal so lution. only of their knowledge of the mathematics

curriculum but also the Social Studies and The second most common error ( 1.6%) was a response o f 95 miles, the distance to St Geography programme. Ann 's Bay also be ing added. Here the reason­The fi~ 1 question o f relevance involved ing appears to be that as you have to p<lSSrhe signpost shown in tile diagram . The through St Ann 's Bay to reach Montego Bay, then tbe mileage signified for St Ann's Bay

teachers were ask ed the following question:

A sign post in tile centre ofOeho Rios shows needs to be added. The mental map in thiscase the lnformation illustrated in Figure 1. What is in place bUI the way in which sign postsis tile distance between Port Maria and Mon­ operate is misconceived. tego Bay?

The second question of interest con cerns TIle correct answer of 88 miles was given

two maps of different scales: by 57.5q{) of primary school teachers in the sample with 1.6% faili ng to give any answer With a map which has a seale of1:50000 the at all. It should be noted that this question uses distance from Kingsto n to Spanish To wn is tbe correc t distances between a set o f towns 20 kilo metres . Wllat will be the distance, in lying on the north coas t of Ja maica in rou gh ly kilometres, between Kingston and Spanish a straight line. Town on a map ofscale J:25000?

A response of 46 miles was the modal The task here is to recognise that the

error, given by 28.8% of teachers. This answer change in map scale does not effect the dis­

is obtained by applying the operation of su b­ tance be tween two points depicted. T he

traction to the two distances instead of the correct answer of 20 k ilo metres was only

operation of addi tion. A numbe r of interv iews given by 2.2% of teachers. Two incorrect

were carried ou t by Teache rs ' College lec ­ answers were predominant, an answer of

turers and re c orded fo r a na lys is . T hese IOkrn, tha t is hal f the dist ance for the num ber in the scale be ing hal ved , was given by 50 . I% interviews indi cate that teachers interpret tbe

problem as 'how far is it from Port Maria to o f teachers. An answer of40km, that is, double

Montego Bay ?' ; they then use the cue word the distance for the numerical value in t1lC scale being halved was given by 18.0% ' from' as an indi cation to apply the operation

of subtraction, Note that this e rro r is the result

/ / ./

NS-S-ATTMiles

MONTEGO SAY 67 miles

~PURTMAR rA~rMiTes

PORT ANTONIO 67 Miles .

/j /

TIlCSC errors have a number of causes; poo r language comprehension, a lack. of un­d e rs tandi n g o f rat io a nd scale an d an enculturauon in which tbe answer to a matbe­matics question always produces a change. But it is im possible to ascribe a proportion of tbe errors to each as there were insufficient interviews to make quantitative assessments. Ce rtainly in the interviews the trend was to read the question in terms of manipulating numbers ratber than the si tuation it was describing, for typically the first reaction was that the scale had halved and so the length had eit her doubled or halved as well. The presence of ratios might also have been a problem, for this concept was poorly und erstood by many teachers, onl y 57.5% were able to divide 16 in tbe ratio of3:5.

Both the sign post ques tion and the map question cou ld j ust as easi ly bee n asked on a test of tbe tea chers ' knowled ge of the geog­raphy or social s tudies they teach. It is obvious from this result that these two areas are in urgent need of remediation amongst tbeteach­ing population.

Phil Nissen is lecturer in Education at the UW.l. M ona.

CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE NEWSLETTER

We need your news, views and ideas to keep tbe newsletter vibrant and informa­tive . Short articles, letters, opinions or other items relating to any section of the New sletter are welcome.

Send your contributions to the Editor, c/o Dep~entof~ograpby,~.

Jamaican Geographer (3), November 1990-5

Campus Geography

Ph.D FOR DA VID MILLER

David Miller, Lecturer in the Department of Geography, UWl, has been awarded a Ph.D from the University of Exeter. His research involved a systematic investigation of the relict periglacial phenomena within an area of the central Tamar river basin, south-west England.

Dr MilJer joined the Geography Depart­ment at UWI in 1987, and lecturers in ph ysical geography (geomorphology). He graduated from thc University of Hull in 1977, with a B.Sc. (Honours) degree in Geography and Geology, and moved to the Unive rsity of Ex­etc r in 1979.

His ge ne ral re search inte rests are in geomorphology and the Quaternary. In the UK he has undertaken research in the fields of soil mapping and micromorphology, the peat ­lands of the UK and the Falkland Islands (where he did extensive fieldwork) and in environmental magnetism. At UWl he has developed Dew research interests in mass­wasting processes and problems (including landsliding), karst geomorphology and natural hazards.

Dr Miller plays for the UWI staff cricket team , and is a qualified football referee.

STAFF NEWS

Two new , full -time members of staff have joined the Geography Department for the academic year 1990/91.

Jeremy CoUymore comes to us from the Pan C a ri b be an Di saste r P revention & Preparedness Project in Anti gua, and before that held a lec turing post at C ERMES, Cave Hill. Jeremy will be developing the department's teaching and re search pro gramme in physical planning and disaster management. This permanent appointment arises from the unfreezing ofthe post formerly held by Dr Brian Hudson.

Balfour Spence's appointment is for one year, to cover for Dr Barker, who is on sab­batical leave. Balfour will be teaching agricultural geography.

Jeremy and Balfour are both former stu­dents and contemporaries of the Geography Department, obtaining their first degrees in 1982, and Masters degrees in 1985. Jeremy is

completing a Ph.D from the Department of Environmental Planning & Design, Virginia Polytechnic & State University, and Balfour is finishing a Ph.D from the Department of Geography, University of Manitoba.

Dr David Barker has been recently ap­pointed Senior Lecturer at UWI.

Following the retirement of Dr Alan Eyre, there is a vacany in the Geography Depart ­ment for an applied climatologist. Interested candidates should contact Dr Wilma Bailey, Head of Department.

CURRENT POST(iRADUATES AND RESEARCH TOPICS

Delarno Lewis TIle impact of surface flooding, its economic implications and the subsequent response of residents within selected communities of the KMA and Portrnore.

Lorraine Campbell TIle nutritional effects of cash crop production on pre-school leavers ,

Nadeen Campbell The elderly in Jamaica with specific reference to Housing, Health Care and living Arrange­ments.

Paulette Meikle An analysis of the changing patterns of root crop production, marketing and export in Jamaica.

Yvonne Jones Strategies needed to revitalise residential buildings in Eastern Jamaica.

Macmillan Awards for best undergraduate theses

1990 Yvette Ali (Trinidad)

1989 Yvonne Allijohn (Jamaica) Cheryl Harris-Walder (Jamaica)

1988 No prize

1987 Barvel Banks (Jamaica) Patrina Rockhead (Jamaica)

1986 Michael Tharkur (Jamaica) Sharon-Anne Lashley (Trinidad)

1985 Cheryl Jemmott (Barbados) Donna Simon (Jamaica)

1984 Gweneth Hanley (St KillS) Trevor Leach (Barbados)

1983 Vidya Ramphall (Trinidad)

1982 Verona Williams (Jamaica)

1981 Cheryl Dixon (Jamaica)

1973 Jeanette Ottley (Trinidad)

1972 Lionel Nurse (Barbados)

1971 Valerie Magnus (Jamaica)

1970 Faye Lumsden (Jamaica)

1969 Frances Burton (Dominica)

1968 Norma Gentles (Jamaica)

This Book Prize is donated annually by Macmiflan U.K.. and is awarded on the basis ofperformance in fi nal year disserta ­lions .

Recent Publications by UWI Stall Bailey, W. (1990) Hurricane Gilbert - 1988, Pan American Health Organization Disaster

Reports, Disaster Report No.5.

Barker, D. and Miller, D. (1990) 'Hurricane Gilbert: anthropomorphising a natural disaster', Area, 22(2), pp 107-116.

Eyre, L.A. (1990) 'TIle shanty towns of Central Bombay', Urban Geography , 11(2), pp 130-152.

Eyre, L.A. (1990) ' Water Resource Conflict on the nonhcoast: Who gets what? ' ,Jamaica Journal, 22(4) pp 2- 11.

6 - Jamaican Geographer (J), November 1990

Hill and Gully Notes

Decline in Public Bathing Beaches Learie A.Miller and Brian Byfield

The Sunday Gleaner of August 19th , 1990. cont ained an article highlighting the fact that most of the island 's public beaches were closed and it was illegal to use them . TIle art icle went on to list the public beaches that were available for safe usage. These were Cardiff and Priory in St Ann, Boston in Portland and Blueficlds in Westmoreland. It should be pointed out that a beach is usually considered safe if there arc changing facilities. toilets, showers and life guards .

In addition, the article listed other beaches that were available to the public though not class ified as public beaches. These were the Commercial Recreational Beaches or beaches run by private persons or enterprises to which the publi c have access usually upon payment of an entrance fcc . These are Walter Fletcher, Doctors Cave and Cornwall in St James, Puer­to Seco, Dunns River and Turtle Towers in St Ann , Fort Clarence in St Catherine and San San in Portland (see 1990 map).

Given the proximity to the coast of a large percentage of the country's population. visits to the beach are an important form of recrea­tion for the vast majority of Jamaicans. It therefore follows that it would have been in the best interest of successive political ad­ministrations to ensure that safe bathing facilities were available for use by the public. Unfortunately, this bas not been the situation and there has been a 68% reduction in safe

BATHING BEACHES

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• CO~Mn{Chl l.. S..4T!'1II.G BEIfCHl.S

AT 1990 DR;. .. ... fl y a RI A" DYFl f. LD

bathing beaches currently compared to 1971 .

In 1971 the Beach Control Authority had secured by ownership or lease 27 beaches with changing facilities, showers etc. In addition. there were II commercial bathing beaches under private ownership which were open to the public on a fcc basis (see 1971 map). An additional 10 I beaches (without facilities) were identified as well as 22 seaside parks.

The Beach Control Authority has, as part of its mandate. the development of public bathing beaches (ie putting facilities in place). These were usually handed over to Parish Councils to maintain for use by the public. However, with changes in Local Government in the 1980s, many of these facilities were not

maintained and ended up being vandalized, as at Gun Boat Beach on the Palisadoes, or destroyed by Hurricane Gilbert.

The end result of this situation has been increased drownings annually, unsanitary conditions, beaches erosion, sea pollution and the public swimming at great risk, as at Hellshire.

There are no clear-cut solutions barring a large injection of funds by Government which may be difficult given the financial constraints facing the country. Currently,efforts are being made to divest some of these public beaches in the hope that private entrepreneurs will take up the challenge to refurbish them. However,

it is doubtful whether this will be successful given the run down condition that the majority of them arc in, and the enormous outlay of funds required to bring them to acceptable levels for public usage . In the interim the public continues to suffer.

Learie Miller and Brian Byfield work at the Jamaica Bauxite Institute

PRINTERS DEVIL In the last issue of the newsletter, the article Jamaica's Early Maps was written by Mike Morris.~y. His name was unfor­tunately omitted.

Jamaican Geographer (3). November 1990 -7

Look Behind

PAST PRESIDENTS

1966/67 1967/68 1968/69 1969/70 1970/71 1971 /72 1972/73 1973/74 1974/75 1975/76 1976/77 1977/78 1978/79 1970/80 1980/81 1981/82 1982/83 1983/84 1984/85 1985/86 I986/R7 1987/88 1988/89 1989/90 1990/91

Dr Barry Floyd Mr George Donaldson Dr Vernon C. Mulchansingh Ms Dawn Marshall Mr Lawson Nurse Dr Brian J . Hudson Mr Calford Scott Miss Faye Lumsden Mrs Eleanor Jones Mrs Eleanor Jones Mrs Cecile DePass Dr Vincent George Mr Ronald Bryce Miss loy Douglas Mis s Joy Douglas Mrs Eleanor Jones Mrs Eleanor Jones Mrs Eleanor Jones Dr Brian Ll-ludson Dr L. Alan Eyre Dr L. Alan Eyre Dr L. Alan Eyre Miss Joy Douglas Miss Claudia James

Miss Claudia lames

NEW JGS CO UNCIL

President:

Vice President:

Secretary:

Treasurer:

Membership Secretary:

Editor,

Ne wslette r.

Ordinary Members:

Co-opted member:

Claudi a lames

Cheryl Dixon

Shaun-Marie Gran t

Vernon Mulchansingb

David Miller

David Barker

Marjorie Vasse ll Day-Dawn Simon Donna Simon Karen Sinclair Carol Thomas Janet Hyde Learie Miller

Delamo Lewis

8 - Jamaican Geographer (3 ), N(JI'emIJer 1990

FORTHCOMING EVENTS

Maps for Schools

Portland is the venue for the first presentation in the lGS Maps for Schools project. During the past 12 months, our President Claudia lames bas been mobilising private sector sponsorship to provide a ScI of 1:50000 topographical maps and a Wall map of the Caribbean or Lbc World. to all schools in Jamaica that leach geography. Sponsorship has been facilitated, in many cases, by the co-operation of local Chambers of Com­merce. and the Chambers of Commerce. and the presentations will be made on a parish-by ­parish basis.

Field Trips

luclement weather forced the postponement of the trip 10 ALCAN , Ewarton , to examine methods of red mud disposal . The Council is rearranging the trip at a date to be announced, in November.

At the end of January 1991. the Council is planning an ambitious hike across Cockpit Country . T he hike will be physicall y strenuous and the terrain difficult. There arc no roads, houses or people in the area where we are going, so food and wate r will have 10

be carried. Also the Lrip will involve an over­night stop, so sleeping gear will need to be carried on the bus . The Council must concern itself with safety so it will insist tha t par ­ticipants are physically fit , properly dressed and well equipped . The hike will be limited

10 fully -paid up lGS members only . Remem­ber the Com Puss Gap adventure a few years ago ? This hike will be more challenging and perhaps mo re enjo yable, but think carefully before deciding whether you wanl to try it. Once on the trail, there will be no turning back.

Editor:

Address:

Type setting:

Printing:

T SIIIRTS

The first batch of lGS T shirts were quickly sold out, and a second batch is now avaiJable. TIley have the lGS logo on the front and a map of Jamaica which is printed in gold, green and black. across the back. Available in medium , large and extra large, price $60, cash or che ­que. They make an ideal Christmas present .

EMBASSY TALKS

In October, the lGS held the first in a series of evening talks at the Geognaphy Department UWI. Staff of foreign embassies will make presentations about their own countries.

TIle first talk was by the staff of the Soviet Union Embassy, on the rapid changes their country is experiencing. About 4S people at­tended the meeting and came awa y with a treasure trove of literature, newspapers and booklets 00 the Soviet Union, kindly provided by their staff.

The Society is lining up more talks by other embassy staff, Keep your eye on Ihc Sunday Gleaner and Sunday Record (UWl Noles) for confirmation of details, or phone the Geography Department, 92 -72 129 ...

QUIZ ANSWERS

1. EI Salvador 2. North 3. Guadeloupe 4. Andros Island 5. British Virgin Islands 6. West 7. Charlestown 8. Grenada 9. St Eustatius 10. Saint Martin (Fr)