UNESCO Youth Path Team In Nevis
Charlestown, Nevis
August 8th, 2008
Members of UNESCO Youth Path of Nevis have initiated work on one of Nevis’ heritage trails that leads to New River Spring and Devil’s Copper, says Youth Path Coordinator in Nevis, Vanessa Webbe.
According to Ms Webbe, the group which is comprised of young adults between the ages of 15 to 25, was assisted by members of the community, as well as staff members of the Ministry of Tourism. Work started on Saturday July 19, 2008 when the young people cleared over 200 yards of the overgrown trail.
Prior to clearing the trail, the members of Youth PATH visited the site and were taken on a tour of the trail by an experienced tour guide, Mr Lemuel Pemberton, to determine the extent of the work that needed to be done.
The group selected the New River trail in an effort to keep the rich history of the area alive. The New River Spring was once the main source of water for residents in the Zion community, who frequented the area to wash in the water that overflowed in the ghaut and to fetch water from the nearby trough. Lynnell Liburd of Sunrise Tours has conducted tours for tourists on the trail in the past. Ms Webbe is grateful to Liburd for allowing the youths to use it as their training site.
A quick look back at our local history would indicate that people came from as far as Hanley’s Road, Butlers and Brick Kiln to wash in the river. Water was also taken from the nearby trough for home use. Located in the same area is French Man’s Care, where it is said that a French man once lived during the sugar and slavery period. It is believed that he survived only on fruit from the surrounding fruit trees and water from the river.
