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CHANT presents restoration training and new conservation-core plans tied to historic preservation grants
Summary
Cruzan Heritage and Nature Tourism (CHANT) told the committee it runs a Building Arts program and used a State Historic Preservation Office grant to restore a Frederiksted property while training apprentices in woodworking and masonry; CHANT plans a VI Conservation Core for climate-related restoration projects.
Frandell Gerard, executive director of Cruzan Heritage and Nature Tourism (CHANT), described a vocational training and historic-preservation program focused on woodworking and masonry that CHANT operates in Frederiksted and across St. Croix.
CHANT said it launched a 6'week introductory woodworking series in 2024 and extended the workshop because of demand; nine men enrolled and six completed the initial cohort. The group won a State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) grant of $159,139 (awarded June 12, 2024) for phase 1 restoration of Number 38 Hospital Street in Frederiksted. With additional funding from the Island Spirit Fund (Cruzan rum), the Federal Home Loan Bank of New York and the Saint Croix Foundation, CHANT began restoration work on June 24, 2024.
Six trainees moved from the classroom to apprenticeships on the construction project under CHANT instructor and project manager African Southwell. CHANT reported the crew completed roughly 90% of Building 1 restoration by the original SHPO deadline and is now finishing detail work and starting restoration of Building 2. Gerard said a replica long-row element fabricated with students from the American College of the Building Arts will be installed by apprentices on site.
CHANT outlined a new Virgin Islands Conservation Core training program in partnership with the Department of Planning and Natural Resources and The Nature Conservancy. The Conservation Core will train 10'15 young adults in mangrove restoration, stormwater management, coastal trail work, marine debris removal and related projects to employ trainees in climate resilience and conservation work.
Senators noted CHANT's direct placement record: trainees have found employment with local construction firms, national park service, government departments and private firms and several apprentices have become entrepreneurs. CHANT agreed to share further documentation on trainees and placements with the committee.
