Residents Cry Foul Over Macaw Sanctuary Plans in Red Bank

Area Representative Rodwell Ferguson says a public consultation will be held to hear directly from residents about the government’s plan to create a protected area for scarlet macaws. The announcement comes after Sustainable Development Minister Orlando Habet said talks were already ongoing with the village council and tour operators. But residents were quick to object, saying they were never informed and noting that much of the land being discussed is currently used for farming. News Five’s Britney Gordon has more on the developing situation.

 

Britney Gordon, Reporting

Residents of Red Bank Village are making their voices heard, calling for transparency in the government’s plans to establish a wildlife sanctuary within their community. The proposal drew swift criticism, with villagers worried it could force farmers to give up land they rely on for their livelihoods. In response to the public backlash, the area representative has now scheduled a public consultation for all residents on January thirteenth, acknowledging that discussions should have started with the community from the outset.

 

On the Phone: Rodwell Ferguson, Area Representative, Stann Creek West

“When you are reserve a portion of a land, then there must be a proper consultation with the people. And so I see the issue di unfold. I was not at the meeting when Mr. Habet went and when I see the response from many people, I told them, I think we did it the reverse. Have a meeting of people and then they will determine if they want to reserve the land for the Scarlet Macaws. What I believe is a very good reservation because come to Scarlet Ferguson at least five or six months for the year. We need to get the people support. And so the consultation will be on Tuesday in the Village of Red Bank and we’re asking villages to come out and the people from the Ministry of Environment will go there. And do their presentation.”

The government had earlier held consultations with the Red Bank village council and tour operators. However, residents say very little information from those meetings was shared with the wider community. Chairperson Ricardo Cho says that the plan was always to host a public consultation eventually.

 

On the Phone: Ricardo Cho, Chairperson, Red Bank Village

“This have always been the plan that the consultation is going to happen. We had I believe this year that was the year that we’re going to do the consultation. That have always been plan with Bio.”

 

Cho explained that the plans are still in the early stages but have been well‑received by tour guides in the area. He added that reports of illegal logging have driven the push to establish the sanctuary.

 

On the Phone: Ricardo Cho

“There was a sketch that was presented to them by the tour guide tour guide person. Because what happened is that there’s a lot of surveying happening in the area and then. We have some we are getting reports of illegal logging happening in the immediate area, so that’s, and the reason when they approach us with this idea, then we kinda welcome it. But like I always told persons that in bio is that our people do their farming their traditional living. So we have told that to them. And they do understand. That’s why they, there’s a reason they’re suggesting that it would be, it’d be better that they come in with the sanctuary two proposal for the people to do their traditional way of living.”

 

Minister of Sustainable Development Orlando Habet also disclosed that the idea of charging an entrance fee for the village had been considered. While Ferguson emphasizes the need to involve residents in the decision‑making process, he believes the proposed sanctuary could bring positive benefits for tourism in the area.

 

On the Phone: Rodwell Ferguson

“As I said, the Scarlet Macaw project or the initiative at Red Bank has always come up. It has a lot potential for Red Bank tourism wise. So quite possibly was discussed, but not that effect to say that it can be implemented four or five years ago. But since the Village Council approached Mr. Request a meeting along to guide and say we want to see how quick this can be done. But I think we have to make sure we have that consultation first.”

 

All villagers are invited to attend the public consultation at six p.m. on January thirteenth at the Red Bank Community Center. Britney Gordon for News Five.