Fredrick Wilks, Milton Sinclair, John Kelly and Nickoli Hall swapped their soccer boots for Timberlands and turned out to shovel earth, move rocks and put down grass for phase II of the national Blue Iguana breeding programme on Saturday and Sunday.

Set up to help re-establish the species, 14 years ago, the programme is run on a shoe string budget and is wholly reliant on financial aid from the private sector confirmed the project's director Mr. Fred Burton.

For the four players, who first learnt of the volunteer drive in last Thursday's Caymanian Compass, the donation of their time on Saturday morning was a "an ideal way of making good on our commitment to take on civic duties, as part of our role as national ambassadors," said Mr. Wilks.

"We ended up learning a lot more about the conservation programme in general and about the Blue Iguana in particular... information which we can now pass on to our team members and others we come into contact with," he commented.

The players were among the 10 or so local volunteers who with 13 overseas volunteers put their backs into the transforming the pens to make them habitable for the eight pairs of breeding iguanas.

According to Mr. Burton, last weekend's local volunteers helped to make it "a good turn out. Several have said they will be back again this coming weekend, and some even pledged their time during the week" he added.

The local conservationist advised the Compass that "A truly incredible team spirit has emerged in the volunteer group." He mentioned also that "new cages for last year's fast growing baby Blue Iguanas are being constructed in quick order, while Turn Key Renovations are simultaneously building a further set of open pens under contract to the project."

The main volunteer effort continues up to August 13, though the overseas volunteers will be taking a "well earned break this Sunday to visit Little Cayman due to a 50% fare reduction donated by Island Air.

Those willing to donate a few hours next week helping save the Cayman Blue Iguana should contact Fred Burton on 916-2418 or fjburton@candw.ky.

Alternatively, individuals or companies wanting to assist the programme in other ways can help defray the cost of the project's supplies by donating to the Blue Iguana Conservation Fund, which has an account with the Bank of Butterfield. One company which is giving discount on building materials for the programme is Cox Lumber.