Statia Government has always been transparent in relation to the implementation of the Roaming Animal Control Project. This transparency continues through consistent engagement with the community. Regular meetings have been conducted with farmers and other relevant stakeholders. The project has also been discussed in a public town hall meeting and within the Island Council’s Central Committee.
By strengthening the Agricultural Department, Statia Government actively pursues the realisation of food security and economic development. To serve these broad public interests, extension officers for agriculture, livestock, and fisheries will join the Civil Core.
“My priority is a balanced, safety-first approach that protects Statia’s natural heritage while strengthening food security and supporting every farmer and fisher. Inclusion matters; we are listening and making space for local expertise alongside technical support so the community moves forward together. We will continue to dialogue with all involved to achieve the best solution, and we will continue to communicate clearly through our official channels,” said Commissioner Rechelline Leerdam.
Local hunters remain active partners in the project and continue to play an essential role under the coordination of the Directorate of Environment Nature Infrastructure (ENI) and the Unit of Veterinary Services.
Statia Government has implemented several training courses in recent months aimed at strengthening the island’s food security under the Strategic Action Plan for Sustainable Agriculture (SAPSA). One training supported local livestock farmers in improving animal care and management practices, while another focused on enhancing the weapon-handling skills of local hunters some of whom are also livestock farmers to assist in the removal of feral roaming animals.
Removal efforts will include live capture in accessible areas, with hunting and retrieval when conditions are safe. Statia Government emphasises that hunting by the invasive species expert team in this phase will take place exclusively within the Boven National Park boundaries. The Government continues to work with locally trained retrievers to ensure that retrieval is done in a safe manner. Livestock farmers have been contacted and reassured of this. In the coming months, livestock farmers will continue to receive support to safely pen and manage their animals.
The roaming animals control project forms part of the Statia Government’s Nature and Environment Policy Plan (NEPP) and the Strategic Action Plan for Sustainable Agriculture (SAPSA) long-term initiatives designed to protect farmland, restore vegetation, and strengthen
food security. The project also enforces Article 3.3.3 of the General Local Ordinance (APV), which prohibits livestock from roaming freely on public or private land without permission.
The involvement of an invasive-species expert team was planned from the start to provide technical support and ensure humane and effective removal of feral animals in Boven National Park. Their work complements, rather than replaces, that of the local hunters.
The Directorate of ENI continues to coordinate local efforts and ensure that all activities meet safety, environmental, and animal-welfare standards. Commissioner Rechelline Leerdam will meet with representatives of the hunters’ group and LVV’s technical team to reaffirm coordination with the international experts and ensure the continued success of this important national project.
The Statia Government extends its appreciation to all partners involved. Through the combined efforts of local expertise and international support, important progress is being made to restore Statia’s natural environment and strengthen the island’s food security. The public is encouraged to stay informed by following the Government’s official channels and website for further updates.
