Increased recent snake encounters locally have prompted the Ministry of Agriculture into action.
The ministry was quick to shut down rumors that the government has paid individuals to kill the venomous Lancehead snake or St. Lucia Pit Viper because of a perceived infestation. The recent sightings in non-traditional areas have fueled varying reactions including the use of a firearm highlighted in a recent online video. Officials of the ministry and the Forestry Department rubbished the claim that individuals had been paid to get rid of the snakes and went further to calm the nerves of individuals fearing an infestation. The Forestry Department suggested, rather, that there was a displacement, likely due to the increased numbers of wild pigs in the central forest areas.
Acting Chief Forest Officer Dr. Donatien Gustave says the plan going forward is a 5-pillar comprehensive strategy which begins with education. “I want to also mention that in that education process we’re looking at, not just creating or enhancing awareness, but also changing behaviours. We want persons to know the first and paramount strategy must be safety.”
Assistant Chief Forestry Officer Pius Haynes revealed that St. Lucia was once home to five snake species and emphasized that of the four left, only the St. Lucia Pit Viper was poisonous. Haynes went on to explain that destruction of the snake population could have adverse effects outside of wildlife sanctions. “That has implications for environmental benefits, it has implications for ecological benefits, environmental conditioning. They play an integral role within the natural landscape, and it helps nature keep its fine-tuned balance.”
Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security & Sustainable Development Lisa Jawahir admitted that there was heavy emphasis being placed on the matter at the cabinet level, a continuation of work that was already put in motion by former Agriculture Minister Moses JnBaptiste. “In the past we’ve had to source our anti-venom from countries like Costa Rica. We are certainly looking closer to home and will allow, when that process is completed, for us to share more information because there is certainly value in the anti-venom.”
A joint task force, including officers of the Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Health and other stakeholders has been commissioned to manage the movement of the local snake population.
Forestry officials also revealed that in time gone the snake population was scattered all over the island.