Plaque tells story of George Town tree
(CNS): The first ever neem tree to be planted in the Cayman Islands now has a plaque explaining its significance. The tree which is near to the George Town library was planted Dr Joseph Jackman who was director of the department of environment during the 1970s. According to a release from GIS Jackman brought the first seeds from Montserrat in October 1975. The plaque reveals that the neem tree is one of the world’s most beneficial plants. All parts of the tree are said to have medicinal use. And it has been used in India, where the tree is native, for medications for thousands of years. Here in Cayman this particular tree provides welcome shade for George Town’s workers who sit under it at lunchtime when they are looking for a quiet place to rest or chat.
Minister of District Administration, Works, Lands and Agriculture, Juliana O’Connor-Connolly, who unveiled the commemorative plaque last month said that Cayman needs to celebrate its agricultural history and should share the stories with residents and visitors alike. Dr. Jackman – who was also the Islands’ Chief Agricultural and Veterinary Officer between 1976 and 1982 – was on hand for the unveiling.
Category: Science and Nature
What a fine man Dr Joe is and he was a terrific CAVO. He got me in to backyard farming too although rollover etc has made me pull back on that. Thank God we sometimes thank people from outside Cayman for their contribution instead of the more normal thing nowadays of reminding them of how they are only taking jobs from Caymanians.