Isiah Parry: A Nevisian Wood Craftsman
Island Craftsmanship: Isiah Parry's Journey with Vanilla Paradise Nevis
When I embarked on my plan to found a vanilla farm on Nevis, I knew I was in for a lot of hard work and that I couldn't do it alone. In our ongoing series, featuring the local people who are helping me, let me introduce you to Isiah Parry, a gifted craftsman and tree expert who has played a vital role in preparing the wooden posts needed to support the growth of our vanilla plants at Vanilla Paradise Nevis. Isiah's deep connection to the land and his unique approach to his craft make him an invaluable member of our team.
Recreating the Habitat
In the wild, vanilla grows upwards winding itself around a tree, protected from the direct sun by its thick canopy of leaves. At Vanilla Paradise Nevis, we have reproduced these conditions by building 3 shade houses under which we have placed nearly 800 indigenous tree posts to hold our precious orchids.
Vanilla growing up the tree trunks that Isiah sourced for us
Isiah Parry: A Local Craftsman and Tree Expert
Isiah's expertise lies in sourcing trees and preparing wooden posts from the tropical forests on the slopes of Nevis Peak. His knowledge of the local environment and the different types of wood available allows him to select the perfect materials for our vanilla farm. Isiah specifically looks for red cherry and cinnamon wood, which are both durable, abundant and suitable for our needs. I’ve accompanied Isiah on his treks up the mountain and learned a lot about the forest.
Isiah's Sustainable Process and Philosophy
Unlike many woodworkers who would rely on a chainsaw for efficiency, Isiah chooses to use a machete as it is light and not cumbersome. This decision allows him to move freely through the forest, carefully selecting the best trees for our purposes. We need 2.5m posts and the way Isiah cuts the trees with his machete, allows them to grow again. The process is, therefore, sustainable and in fact helps the tropical forest to renew itself. Isiah's skill is impressive, and he effortlessly wields the machete to trim the wood to the required lengths.
Transporting the Tree Trunks
Transporting the long hardwood trunks from the forest to Vanilla Paradise Nevis is no small feat. The trunks are heavy so Isiah has developed a clever method of tying a sheet around his shoulders and placing the tree trunks inside, effectively dragging them as he walks. It’s still hard work but a great workaround solution to a transport problem. Isiah certainly does not need to go to the gym, his work keeps him super-fit!
Preparing the Wooden Posts
Once the tree trunks are delivered to the vanilla farm, Isiah prepares them for installation. They are cut to the same length and the ends treated with tar to prevent rot when buried in the earth. This ensures that the wooden posts will provide long lived and sturdy support for our growing vanilla plants.
Isiah's Rasta Tradition and the Influence of Nature
Isiah follows the Rastafarian religion, a spiritual and social movement that celebrates African heritage and culture. In our video above, Isiah proudly displays his remarkable dreadlocks, tells us why they are kept long and shares his thoughts on how nature influences every aspect of our lives on Earth. His deep connection to the land and his craft resonates with the philosophy of Vanilla Paradise Nevis.
“Locks are ideas – the longer the locks, the more ideas you get… ”
Building a Legacy: The Next Generation
Everyone needs a little help from time to time and Isiah can often be seen climbing up the mountain with his son Nikusubila Matthew, known as Niku . Learning from his father, Niku has mastered how to best use the machete and helps Isiah to chop the trees and bring them down to the farm for us. Niku has inherited his father’s creative spirit as he is also a musician, writing and recording his own songs about life. He has replicated his philosophy into his tattoos, as he explains in the video below. Niku also has a YouTube channel, under his artist’s name BLIZO.
Beyond trees: Isiah's Carvings
Nevisians also know Isiah for his beautiful wood carvings, using mahogany to make reproductions of local dignitaries and famous people. He has carved 3-dimensional figures of many VIPs, from Princess Diana to Ophra Winfrey and Michael Jackson. Isiah is self-taught, very gifted and patient as some of the works can take weeks to accomplish. Find more of Isiah’s carvings here. At Vanilla Paradise Nevis, we are excited to have commissioned a very special wood carving from Isiah, which we will soon reveal.
Isiah with his Sculpture of LeBron James
Celebrating Nevis’ talents
Isiah Parry, a local craftsman and tree expert, has made an a valuable impact on Vanilla Paradise Nevis with his skillful sourcing and preparation of wooden posts. His dedication to his craft, rooted in the Rasta tradition and a deep appreciation for nature, sets him apart. Isiah's contribution to our vanilla farm and his beautiful wood carvings exemplify the unique talents found on the island of Nevis. We are grateful to have Isiah as part of our team, and we look forward to sharing more of his skillful work with you.
