THE CARVING of her name on the 300-year-old baobab tree in Warrens by American visitor Senta Caleb has been frowned on by historian and conservationist Dr Karl Watson.
Caleb’s actions also drew the ire of many Barbadians after the story was published in the SUNDAY SUN under the headline: Visitor Leaves Mark On History.
Watson, who is president of the Barbados National Trust, called the action “unfortunate and sad” and said the practice needed to be discouraged because trees, as living things, were open to illnesses. He also cited the tree’s rarity and age as other factors.
“The bark of the tree is a defensive mechanism that protects it, and when that is damaged it creates an avenue or entry route for harmful diseases,” he said. “You can carve and create a wound in a tree that opportunistic fungi and other harmful illnesses can enter.”
He noted that the over 1 000-year-old baobab tree in Queen’s Park was also subjected to the same type of carving.
He said that he did not think the action by Caleb was a wanton act to destroy the tree, but people felt compelled to leave little markers of their passage and all over the world people had made it a habit to carve their names in trees, in particular teenagers who draw a heart and initials.
However, he added that there were more meaningful things that could be done for posterity other than damage an old tree.
Watson said the carving reflected a lack of education and understanding of the nature of trees. Therefore, the historian added, it was something the trust would now discuss and work to prevent a recurrence.
He said the baobab was important in that it was a West African tree that made its way across the Atlantic and had historical associations that should be preserved.
He pointed out that with the road construction in Warrens, the trust was able to meet with relevant authorities to ensure the tree in question was not harmed.
Also expressing concern was letter writer Tony Wilson, who said he was absolutely appalled by the article.
“To think that the taxi driver would watch while she defaced the 300-year-old tree . . ., a tree that so many fought to save when building was going on in the area.
“She should have scratched her name on the taxi instead,” Wilson said in a letter to the editor.
The article also engendered a lively debate on the NATION’s Facebook page.
