BNB’s newest project is underway on Nevis Island in the Caribbean, an island federated with St. Kitts. The project is setting up Earn-A-Bike youth programs for local teens, based on the classes taught at BNB, and using bikes donated from the Boston area. Thanks to all of you who donated the bikes, processed them at Wednesday volunteer nights, and helped load the container of nearly 500 donated bikes and spare parts which we sent January 15th!

Matt Soycher, Youth Programming Director at BNB, will be returning April 2nd after 2.5 months of program setup in Nevis. Thanks to Matt for doing this as a volunteer, using up vacation and comp time and taking leave from paid time for the remainder. Matt will overlap with Michael Blunk, who leaves for Nevis on Monday and will stay another three months to finalize the program training and setup. Michael will continue to provide news through the blog Matt started, at www.bikesnotbombs.org/nevis

This Earn-A-Bike (EAB) program in Nevis is based in the communities of Jessup and Cotton Ground. Two local youth groups requested the program and BNB responded. The project provides Nevisian youth access to the economical and sustainable transportation of bicycles. Also, currently, there are almost no after school programs to engage youth in positive activities or enable their empowerment. This reality leads to boredom, inactivity, and “at risk” behavior for high school age youth. An EAB program pairs teens with supportive adults and improves physical fitness, self-esteem, and skills. It will help to tie the community together. The one bike shop on the island, while supportive of the project, sells bikes in the $500 US and up range, so the working poor don't have access to low cost transportation.

Historically, Nevis has been one of the poorest countries in the Caribbean. In the 17th century, Nevis was a major sugarcane producer, but this industry collapsed by the 18th century, pulling the island into poverty, and leaving much of the environment devastated from deforestation. Recent boosts in annual revenue have been attributed to rising tourism. The service industry that has arisen out of tourism provides a lot of jobs for youth, but unfortunately low wages cement them in the working class poor.

In order to facilitate the shipment of bicycles and bicycle parts, the Nevis Ministry of Finance dropped the regular duty concessions. Additionally, the Ministry of Youth, Sports, and Community Affairs, the Triathlon and Cycle club, local businesses, and community members are supporting the costs of bicycle shipments and the ongoing program. Bikes Not Bombs is proud to partner with this community and its youth who are working to empower themselves with bicycles.