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International invitation for SIMARC students to participate in archaeological excavations in Barbuda |
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Written by Dr. Jay B. Haviser
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Sunday, 03 January 2010 19:00 |
www.sxmislandtime.com
 PHILIPSBURG - Inspired by the presentation of two SIMARC students at an international archaeology congress in Antigua last year, the City University of New York (CUNY) Brooklyn College branch, has invited six SIMARC students and the president of SIMARC, to participate in CUNY archaeological excavations at Barbuda from January 17-23, 2010.
The initiation of this international sponsorship was made by Dr. Sophia Perdikaris, professor at Brooklyn College, who sees the SIMARC youth and archaeology program as a dynamic model for global applications, even beyond the Caribbean region and Barbuda in particular.
During their one week visit, the SIMARC students will do both fieldwork and lab work relating to research of Codrington Lagoon National Park historical sites.
As well, they will make a presentation to Barbuda High School students and the Barbuda Government Council about what SIMARC is and does on St. Maarten, to try to stimulate a similar program for Barbuda.
One of the most important aspects of this unique opportunity for these St. Maarten youth, is the international recognition of SIMARC in stimulating a sense of Nation-Building among the youth of the Caribbean.
Thus St. Maarten, via this SIMARC cooperation, is seen as providing a key role model for youth development programs by such diverse international organization sponsors as; the National Science Foundation, CUNY-Brooklyn College, Thingeyjarsveit Archaeological Association, National Parks Antigua and Barbuda, and the Barbuda Council.
The six SIMARC students represent four different high-schools on St. Maarten, these being: Lashandra Pantophlet of St. Maarten Academy; Kilee Mercuur of Learning Unlimited, Ivo Meijer of Caribbean International Academy; and Jonathan van Arneman, Rohid Premkumar and Dennicia Hanley of St. Dominic High-School.
These students will be accompanied by the SIMARC President and St. Maarten Archaeologist, Dr. Jay Haviser. Upon their return, the SIMARC students will write a summary report of their experiences on Barbuda for the St. Maarten community, via the local media.
This project is yet another example of the St. Maarten Archeological Center (SIMARC) giving our youth both educational opportunities, but also a dynamic voice to be heard beyond St. Maarten, into the global community of the professional sciences.
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Last Updated on Sunday, 03 January 2010 20:49 |
