Opening of New Trail at PINL
WATT – A – TRAIL LUCELEC BLAZED ON PIGEON ISLAND!
On 22nd April 2021, a new hiking trail on Pigeon Island National Landmark (PINL) was officially opened by the Saint Lucia National Trust (SLNT) and the St. Lucia Electricity Services Limited (LUCELEC). The opening ceremony formed part of the SLNT’s Earth Day Solèy Kouche event agenda and was hosted near the entrance of the newly constructed stairs of the new trail at Two Gun Battery. This new trail on Pigeon Island was made possible through the generous financial sponsorship and technical expertise of #LUCELEC. The construction of this new trail commenced in 2019 and was completed in November 2020. However, the official opening was delayed due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
In keeping with the sponsor’s area of commerce, the trail has been named ‘Watt -a- Trail’. Watt-a-Trail joins the existing nature trail on PINL at a scenic point which has also been enhanced by LUCELEC. The new trail is approximately 1km and provides varying levels of intensity for hiking and with more viewing points for taking in the breathtaking, scenic views on Pigeon Island. As a result of this addition, PINL now offers its patrons a 3 km hike in a more COVID-19 safe manner, as the trail now enables persons to hike from one end of the island to the other. The enhancements to the viewpoints and level of detail that went into the construction of this new trail certainly demonstrates that LUCELEC’s slogan, ‘Our Power of Caring’, guides all its undertakings.
The SLNT is extremely delighted and grateful for this new trail which has contributed tremendously towards the achievement of its mandate to promote and preserve heritage sites for the benefit and enjoyment of people. As a conservation organisation, the SLNT seeks to capitalize on every opportunity to avoid or reduce destruction to the natural environment, restore the environment where possible, and adopt natural solutions to environmental concerns. To this end and in collaboration with the Forestry Department, suitable trees are being planted along the trail to increase the safety of hikers while stabilizing the slopes along the trail. This will reduce its susceptibility to damage from erosion and extreme weather events.
Studies suggest a strong relationship between greenspaces like PINL and human health and well-being due to, among other factors, the increased opportunities for physical activity, social interaction, and exposure to sunlight and immune-boosting micro-organisms that they provide. We therefore encourage everyone to come to Pigeon Island and visit ‘Watt-A-Trail’ to take advantage of the benefits that being in nature provides as well as enjoying the view in a fun filled and invigorating way!