Expert to host free classes on Cayman’s geology

(CNS): There is much more to Cayman’s natural beauty than meets the eye and the geological forces that have shaped these islands and in turn its flora and fauna will be the subject of classes and lectures next week. The world renowned, multi-award geologist Dr Brian Jones will be in the Cayman Islands next week, holding geology classes for high school teachers and students as well as free public lecture about the geological history of Cayman. His trip and time is being sponsored by the Water Authority after his successful visit last year to celebrate the public owned company’s 30th anniversary.

“Last year’s geology education was a success, Dr. Jones’ expertise on the geology of the Cayman Islands, developed over a period of 30 years, is phenomenal and it is a unique chance for students, teachers and the general public to be exposed to a top level scientist” said Dr. Gelia Frederick-van Genderen, Director of the Water Authority.

“Dr. Jones readily agreed to come back this year and he donates a week of his time. Due to the busy schedule last year it was not possible to extend this education to Cayman Brac, but we are glad that we can do so this year, providing teachers, students and the general public in Cayman Brac with the same level of geology education” 

His visit this year will include a professional one-day geology course for high school teachers with over fifteen teachers having already signed up for the one-day professional course. It is expected that some 500 high school students will be involved in the lessons at the schools.

The public lectures are being sponsored by the National Trust. “A Journey through Time – A Geological History of the Cayman Islands” will be held in the conference room of the Brac Reef Resort on Tuesday 14 October, starting at 7:30 pm, then at the George Town Public Library 3rd floor lecture room on Thursday 16 October, at 5:30pm. Admission to the lectures is free to the general public and refreshments will be provided.

Dr. Brian Jones, Ph.D., P. Geol. is a Professor in the Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences at the University of Alberta, Canada and has been an educator for close to four decades. His fieldwork has taken him all over the world. Throughout his career he has received many awards in recognition of his work as an educator and as a scientist. Recently the University of Alberta awarded him as a Distinguished University Professor in recognition of his outstanding qualities as a scientist and educator. He is also a Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada.

“Since the early 1980’s Dr. Jones, his colleagues and students of the university have conducted scientific geological research in the Cayman Islands,” said Hendrik-Jan van Genderen, Water Resources Engineer at the Water Authority. “The Cayman Islands has benefitted from this work and advice as Dr. Jones shares his work with the Water Authority, the Department of the Environment, the National Trust and any other Government agency that needs specific information on the geology of the Cayman Islands and he willingly advises on geological issues.”

For more information on the public lectures on Tuesday and Thursday, please contact the National Trust or the Water Authority.