During her absence, concerns arose among local hunters regarding their role in the project, and a formal meeting request was submitted. Upon her return, Commissioner Leerdam promptly honoured that request, creating space for open and constructive dialogue.
“It was important for me to sit down with our local hunters as soon as possible,” said Commissioner Leerdam. “They are an essential part of this project, and I am happy that we maintain the same shared goal of the project. I would also like to thank the local hunters for their willingness to dialogue and for a fruitful meeting.”
Both parties addressed previous misunderstandings and agreed to establish an escalation model to ensure that any future concerns are resolved through direct communication and collaboration.
A clear compromise was reached to balance local involvement with technical requirements:
· First six months: Local hunters will lead the culling and retrieval operations.
· Final three months: An invasive species specialist team will assist in completing the final, more challenging phase.
The start date of the hunting schedule will be confirmed in consultation with STENAPA to ensure coordination and safety within Boven National Park. Discussions with the specialist team from the Swedish Hunting Association were also held and they are in agreement with this approach.
This plan allows Statia’s own hunters to take a leading role in the project while ensuring that the work follows the approach presented and approved under the Strategic Action Plan for Sustainable Agriculture (SAPSA). The removal of feral, invasive animals in the Boven area forms an essential part of this broader initiative to protect the island’s natural resources and strengthen local food security within the Nature and Environment Policy Programme (NEPP).
The government will also work closely with Mr Naitram Ramnanan, Regional Representative and IAS Coordinator for the Centre for Agriculture and Bioscience International (CABI), Caribbean and Central America. Mr Ramnanan was brought to the island following a request from the PLP faction to provide a second opinion on the project. After his assessment, he endorsed the existing plan and will now assist the government in drafting fair and transparent contracts for local hunters, ensuring that all agreements reflect good governance and fairness.
The local hunters will be responsible for both the hunting and retrieval of animals. The excess meat will be processed and distributed through community programmes that support residents in need, including care facilities for the elderly, ensuring that the project provides tangible benefits across the community.
The government has also prioritised repairs to the access road to Boven, which is currently in poor condition, and coordinates with STENAPA and police to ensure that all operations are conducted safely and responsibly. Road works have already begun, spearheaded by the government’s Public Works Department.
Both the government and the hunting community have committed to maintaining open communication and working together to ensure the success of this project for the environment, for the community, and for Statia’s future.
Further updates will be communicated on the Statia Government official pages.
