Maps Overview
The photos and maps below show the wider area, then zoom in to show the specific target areas for the pilot of the blue and green gully.
Location Details
While the Easy Hall plantation shown at the top left of the outer yellow brackets in figure 1 is in St. Joseph, its lands and fields extend partially into St. John and the area shown on the map as “Venture”, specifically Venture #2. The area is therefore historically known and referred to by residents and people in surrounding areas as Easy Hall, and is differentiated as Easy Hall, St. John and Easy Hall, St. Joseph.
Access
Easy Hall can be accessed from St. Joseph as well as from St. John. There is an overgrown gully that threatens to divide the two sections. Over time residents have created tracks, and in recent years a bridge has been built over that section of the gully to ensure that the Easy Hall Community remains connected physically as well as socially and by family. The bridge starts at the end of the cul-de-sac at the end of Venture #2 and ends at the recognized start of Easy Hall, St. Joseph. See figures 2 and 3.
3.1.4 Target Area for Phase I
An elderly couple (aged 75 – 80) maintains the Phase I Area which encompasses lots 24 and 25 and a section of the gully, and is located at the end of the cul-de-sac which connects Easy Hall St. John and St. Joseph. Due to aging and health, the area indicated by the arrow in figure 4 below is maintained by spraying with gramoxone herbicide. This is partially due to the difficulty of access via the overgrown gully. There is concern this practice will expand for safety concerns. Figure 5 shows a glimpse of the area behind lot 25 near lot 24.
(NOTE from Marsha-Ann - I will email the map with areas outlined and the key. Work with VIP Art to create one image)
By contrast, areas that are more accessible are maintained by the same people using rainwater, tools, composting and no harmful chemicals or practices. The love for agriculture and horticulture has been demonstrated as permission was sought and granted by Easy Hall plantation for the use and development of the perimeter lands opposite the couple’s home. The area has been so developed and maintained that it has won multiple national awards and has inspired the residents of the entire cul-de-sac to beautify and maintain the stretch of land. See figure 6 and 7.
Permission for the beautification of this area in Easy Hall, St. John was first sought to mitigate the soil erosion caused by the plantation’s removal of the grass from the perimeter to allow for easy access via the sugar cane harvester. We therefore understand that if funding is provided for easier access and development of the gully and community, the land degradation through use of herbicides will cease as maintenance will be possible and easier.
The inspiration has spread to Easy Hall, St. Joseph where a greater area is being developed and maintained by a collaborative effort of the young and able men in the nearby families. See figures 8 and 9. This is the area slated for Phase III. We anticipate forward and backward integration of the project and area over time engaging all ages and genders in the community, supported by GEF SGP.
