November 2021
Due to the uncertainty brought on by high slip mortality we decide to purchase 10,000 vetiver slips from Vetiver TT Environmental Services Limited - IICA-EbA project provided experts for preparing and planting the grass. Our logic; to compare whether our methods are adhoc and therefore chancy or, Trinidad-obtained nursery slips were more viable.
Having planted the desired 20,000 slips in the satellite sites, village installations began in earnest - We had held back there hoping the COVID-19 regulations would allow the desirable level of access. Further, as 17 out of the 20 person planter team hailed from Charlotteville we only need to provide lifts for the 3 persons coming from l’Anse Fourmi (which was not an issue, as one of the team was in fact a supplier of slips).
As at November 25th we are at 18,000 slips for village installations, 19,000 for satellite installations. See breakdown here
November works
Typical village installation This homestead backyard view in Charlotteville shows the nature of the locality’s soil and terrain. The shortage of pipe-borne water in this (rural) village means homemakers must prioritise any water harvested. Meaning, the vetiver plant while recognised for its utility, may not be watered.
Figure 6: Steep hills define Charlotteville life