Red Bank Rejects Scarlet Macaw Sanctuary

Red Bank Village residents have voted against a government plan to create a scarlet macaw sanctuary in the Maya Mountains. The sanctuary was slated to protect key feeding grounds for hundreds of these colourful birds and support local tourism.

News Five first reported on the proposal in 2025. 

On Tuesday night, nearly 200 villagers packed a public consultation, many expressing frustration at being left out of earlier discussions.

“The conversation tonight was really on target to say, ‘We don’t want it,'” said Stann Creek West Area Representative Rodwell Ferguson. “As an elected representative, I told them we are going to back off, and in the future if they want to take it up again and they want my support, I will support them.”

Some also raised concerns of possible relocation of farmers and restricted access to the hills that residents rely on daily, a point previously mentioned by Minister Orlando Habet. When asked about it, Ferguson said, “I know the land has been surveyed but not issued and signed by the Minister of Natural Resources,” he said. “As an elected representative, I will have to talk to my colleague and say, ‘The villagers don’t want this to be issued for any individual; even if that person is to be relocated to another location, then that will be done.'”

Meanwhile, local tour guides argued the sanctuary is essential for both birds and local livelihoods. Basilio Mes explained, “It would be very bad for us as we will not be able to come and work in our area anymore… That is why we are pushing for a sanctuary two whereby everybody… can still have access to these hills and can still go and collect whatever they need… sustainably.”

The debate intensified after survey lines appeared across the prime bird-viewing areas. Mes said illegal logging and an unapproved zipline in the hills added urgency to protecting the site. He also pointed to the decline in bird numbers over the years. “When we first came here, there would’ve been thousands of birds that would fly and feed,” he said.

However, other residents argued the community already coexists responsibly with the macaws. They also remain skeptical of the government’s approach.

Lorencio Sho said, “You’re going based off of three persons’ opinions, not the entire community. And that is why the community reacted the way that they reacted tonight.”

“My main concern was when I heard Mr Orlando Habet on the news saying the proposal is is ready to be signed off. And we were like, But when did it happen? How did it happen? Who knows about this? And so that was where my questions came from,” Sho added.

Ferguson assured villagers he would act to prevent the sale of surveyed land that could block access for farmers and tour guides. While the vote is a firm rejection, the discussions remain open if the community decides to revisit the sanctuary in the future.