ST JOHN’S, Antigua (CMC) — A high – level team of archaeologists is due here later this year to study and publish research information about Antigua and Barbuda.

“We have a new soil scientist joining us; this is the guy who analyses the soil; and he can look for prehistoric remains based on how humans affected the soil over-time,”said archaeologist and historian Dr Reginald Murphy.

Speaking on Observer radio here, he said the team, which will arrive in the summer, will also include a soil scientist and a forensic expert.

He said the members of the team will be volunteering their time to assist with several local bodies, to include the National Museum, National Parks Authority and the Royal Police Force.

“As archaeologists, we are all trained in forensics to some level because we cover humans as we work. This year, we are trying to offer our services voluntarily. If you have an expert here available, why not let them contribute something to our society while they are here?”

Murphy said he is now trying to get a restoration field programme established and that he is “talking to a school which does restoration, and if I can convince them into starting a field programme, where they can send us a professor or some students who want to get their hands wet in actual physical restoration work, that would be another big plug”.

Research will be done at a number of archaeological sites, to include Betty’s Hope and other places in the national park, which Dr Murphy said will be published in international journals.