BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – In an effort to fulfil its mandate to relocate animals from the Southeast Peninsula to accommodate the development of Christophe Harbour, the Ministry of Agriculture is pleading for the public’s cooperation as the project is expected to draw closer to completion within a few months.
In speaking with SKNVibes, Director of Agriculture Ashton Stanley informed that the Ministry has been faced with a number of problems in organizing and executing the initiative since late last year. He informed that the government has since assigned an officer to spearhead the operation which is expected to see some improvement over the next three months.
“We have been trying to collaborate with the owners of the animals to move them. At the same time, we have been attempting to catch and relocate these animals. The necessary lands have been allocated but they have to be fenced and water must be in place. The government has facilitated all of that and the fencing materials were provided by the developers [at Christophe Harbour].
“There have been designated lands provided in Godwin, Con Phipps and Stone Fort Estates. There has already been a significant amount of animals relocated and we intend to continue in this regard but we need a lot of resources. There would be a recognizable reduction in the animals; if not all, most would be relocated.”
Chief Operations Officer at Christophe Harbour Le Grand Elebash said the government is moving animals as best they can and that there is an effort underway to “systematically catch them and place them into properly fenced areas”.
“This would prevent animals from being loose and roaming on other people’s property. They [Government] are responsibly fencing areas on other parts of the island on government lands and then moving them from here to there as best they can.”
Stanley cautioned that animals may still be roaming as they attempt to complete the operation, encouraging drivers and pedestrians alike to be very careful and “keep a sharp eye” for their own safety. He added that in the meantime, the public should “work along with the department” as the Government is “working hard to address the problem”.
