BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – A son of the Soil – possibly the first inventor of St. Kitts and Nevis - is seeking to give back to his homeland by providing an atmosphere for young inventors to thrive and express their creativity.
Dr. Eustace Arrindell was born in Prickley Pear Alley and, being one of about 16 children, he recalls being impressed upon by his father to always strive for excellence and to make the best of whatever opportunities are provided for him.
Receiving his early education at the Basseterre Boy School and then the Grammar School, Dr. Arrindell has had quite an accomplished educational career which saw him earning a number of degrees including a Bachelor of Social Science, a Doctorate in Environmental Science and another in Political Science.
It leaves one to wonder how is it that a man with his educational background rooted in these fields ventured into the field of inventing.
It is said that “curiosity killed the cat”, but in Dr. Arrindell’s case it opened doors for him.
“I’ve always been a very curious person and lately, I would say in the past five – 10 years or so, I’ve been toying with some ideas that have been bouncing around in my head for quite a while.”
The Inventions!
Dr. Arrindell invented two items which he has successfully received patent for from the United States Design Patent Authority.
He invented a key holder and connector for a wireless earpiece, which are commonly used for cellphones. His second invention is an inflatable carjack, which somewhat resembles an accordion. Both patents were awarded to him last year and from the looks of things, there are other inventions on which he is working.
Giving Back
“What I really would like to do is to form a group (The Inventors Group – TIG) …and help young persons from St. Kitts and Nevis and in the greater Caribbean to pursue their dreams when it comes to inventions. Since now I would have secured two patents, I would hope that others would follow me. I would like to use some of the proceeds to fund a group which would help young people who are creative to pursue their dreams in the avenue of inventions.
“Perhaps I can help them financially as well as organizationally and that is my primary goal.”
The inventor said he has received soo much assistance while he was in St. Kitts that he cannot help but give back to those of the land of his birth.
Now in his late 60’s, Arrindell, who is the brother of St. Kitts and Nevis’ first Governor General, the late Sir Clement Arrindell, contributes to the culture and development of the Federation in several others ways; he is a mas player who plays Clown at Carnival time, he creates some of the masks which are used by the clown players, he is a trumpeter and he makes glass jewellery.
Dr. Arrindell said he is hoping to make connections with individuals or groups within the Federation whom he can help realise their inventing dreams and goals.
