The Saint Lucia National Trust (SLNT) is concerned over garbage and human excrement left behind after illegal visits to the Maria Islands and the impact on endangered and endemic species there.
The SLNT noted that the Islands are a protected nature reserve.
In a public notice on Wednesday, the Trust explained that the Islands are home to species, including the Saint Lucia Whiptail lizard and Saint Lucia Racer.
According to the Trust, the Saint Lucia Racer is recognised as the world’s rarest snake, with a population of only twenty.
Due to the species’ critically endangered status, the organisation said strict bio-security controls are in effect.
“Visits to the Maria Islands are only authorised through the National Trust,” the SLNT observed.
The environmental and heritage membership conservation group also stated that discarding garbage, including glass bottles, creates bio-security hazards and could lead to fires and the possible extinction of the species.
The SLNT warned that anyone found on the Maria Islands without the organisation’s permission would be committing an illegal act under the Wildlife Protection Act, No. 9 of 1980.
On summary conviction, transgressors would be liable to a fine not exceeding five thousand dollars or a term of imprisonment not exceeding twelve months.
The Trust appreciated the public interest in visiting the Maris Islands Nature Reserve.
However, the organisation disclosed that the reserve is now closed to visits due to the breeding season of some species.
Tours will resume in 2024.
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Put a police station there.
Some Lucians dropping their crap everywhere.
Please stop. Go to St Kitts to see a clean country.
so when the lizards and the snake eat the human poo they will die ..
Maybe the National Trust should build toilet facilities on the island since they have authorised tours.
I certainly do not condone unauthorised visits but NT should put in the facilities.
PPL STILL DOES THAT, SHIT ANYWHER THIS IS A THING OF THE PAST. THERE ARE PUBLIC WASHROOMS I AM SURE, SO AFTER HOW THEY WIPE AND WASH THEIR HANDS EWW!!! PPL STOP THAT.
THEY SHOULD CATCH THEM IF THEY POOP MAKE THEM SCOOP.
Chastnet is not in Government and you have turned your back. You do not want your government to look bad by putting restrictions on de people. Now you have to do damage control. Remember all that you all did at Sandy Beach when Chas was in Government? You all blocked almost everywhere, even a concrete platform. There were so many of these platforms all around the playing field especially where the Chitolie building is presently and the were all destroyed. Hope you succeed in doing damage control. Bunch of Hypocrites.