The Water Authority Cayman is proud to sponsor for the second time geology education given by visiting renowned geologist Dr. Brian Jones from 13 — 17 October 2014. Last year, when the Authority celebrated its 30th anniversary, this education was organized for the first time. As it was a resounding success it was decided to repeat this week of geology education.

The week includes a professional one-day geology course for high school teachers and geology lessons for high school students in Grand Cayman and Cayman Brac. The National Trust has organized a lecture titled “A Journey through Time — A Geological History of the Cayman Islands” in the conference room of the Brac Reef Resort on Tuesday 14 October, starting at 7:30 pm, this lecture will also be presented at the George Town Public Library (third floor, lecture room) on Thursday 16 October, 5:30 — 6:30 pm. Admission to the lectures is free to the general public and refreshments will be provided.

Approximately fifteen teachers have signed up already for the one-day professional course and it is anticipated that some 500 high school students will be involved in the lessons at the high schools. Participation in this week-long programme providing education on geology is offered free of charge through sponsorship by Dr. Jones, the Water Authority — Cayman and the National Trust of the Cayman Islands

“Last year’s geology education was a success, Dr. Jones’ expertise on the geology of the Cayman Islands, developed over a period of 30 years, is phenomenal and it is a unique chance for students, teachers and the general public to be exposed to a top level scientist” said Dr. Gelia Frederick-van Genderen, Director of the Water Authority. “Dr. Jones readily agreed to come back this year and he donates a week of his time. Due to the busy schedule last year it was not possible to extend this education to Cayman Brac, but we are glad that we can do so this year, providing teachers, students and the general public in Cayman Brac with the same level of geology education”

Dr. Brian Jones, Ph.D., P. Geol. is a Professor in the Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences at the University of Alberta, Canada and has been an educator for close to four decades. His fieldwork has taken him all over the world. Throughout his career he has received many awards in recognition of his work as an educator and as a scientist. Recently the University of Alberta awarded him as a Distinguished University Professor in recognition of his outstanding qualitiees as a scientist and educator. He is also a Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada.

“Since the early 1980’s Dr. Jones, his colleagues and students of the university have conducted scientific geological research in the Cayman Islands,” said Hendrik-Jan van Genderen, Water Resources Engineer at the Water Authority. “The Cayman Islands has benefitted from this work and advice as Dr. Jones shares his work with the Water Authority, the Department of the Environment, the National Trust and any other Government agency that needs specific information on the geology of the Cayman Islands and he willingly advises on geological issues.”

For more information on the public lectures on Tuesday and Thursday, please contact the National Trust or the Water Authority.