Iguana Home Coming Remarks

STATEMENT THE HONOURABLE KENRED DORSETT, M.P. MINISTER OF THE ENVIRONMENT AND HOUSING

Re: Press Conference for the Repatriation of The Bahama Rock Iguanas Date: 07/09/2014 Place: LPIA Diplomat Lounge Time: 3:30p.m.

SALUTATIONS:

The Honourable Philip Davis, Deputy Prime Minister of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas, Minister of Works & Urban Development and M.P. for Cat Island, Rum Cay and San Salvador,

Anne Ainsley, Timothy Luffman and Officials representing the Government of The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland; Officials from the Bahamas High Commission; Permanent Secretaries, Heads of Departments, Officers of the RBPF, the RBDF, Representatives from the Civil Aviation Department and LPIA; Representatives from the BBC and British Airways‌

Ladies, Gentlemen Good Afternoon‌ Deputy Prime Minister, thank you for participating in this event today and taking the time to be here not only in your capacity as Minister responsible for Works and Urban Development but also as the M.P. for Cat Island, San Salvador and Rum Cay. Your involvement has helped

us highlight the issue of animal trafficking nationally and we salute you for also addressing this issue publicly.

Wildlife crime is a global problem, which we can only address successfully through our collective efforts and greater cooperation.

This crime plagues animals and plants. In the Bahamian context it adversely affects Bahamian

Iguanas.

What is increasingly appearing to become a systematic pillage of this specie, compromises the ecosystems where they are found. Such compromises can be particularly devastating on Small Island Developing States, such as The Bahamas.

As an archipelagic nation we have limited resources, manpower constraints as well as having to operate in remote areas, to protect and manage

wildlife.

These animals not only play a critical role in the ecosystem, they are critical to maintaining biological diversity and they are an important element in providing sustainable livelihoods in rural communities.

Wildlife on these islands already face considerable threats which include, habitat

fragmentation, pressure for development on their habitats, alien invasive species, drought and the distinct possibility that in the near future, their habitat may be destroyed as a result of climate change and sea level rise.

For many of these special animals rising sea levels may swallow their islands, if global action is not taken to address this global challenge.

Most recently we have been presented with the challenge of wildlife smuggling and animal trafficking which involves the illegal gathering, transportation, and distribution of animals and their derivatives, domestically and internationally.

The Bahamas is extremely pleased that in this particular

case, it was a combination of happenstance and a coordinated effort between all countries involved, that the illegal trafficking of our Iguanas was detected.

To ensure this does not happen again, it is important for countries around the world to get involved. The participants, must include the country from which the animal is taken from the wild, the countries through

which they are taken and the destination countries where they are sold. It is essential to address the problem using all tools available, including international wildlife conservation agreements such as CITES and enforcement agencies, such as Interpol.

On behalf of the Prime Minister, the Deputy Prime Minister and the Government and people of the

Commonwealth of The Bahamas, I thank the government of the United Kingdom for their excellent cooperation, as they have gone to extraordinary lengths to ensure the successful repatriation of these animals and we look forward to working with other countries as well as local, regional and international NGOs to address the challenge.

The demand for exotic species, like the Bahamian iguana are influenced by different lifestyles, cultures, and regions.

This proliferation of wildlife trafficking will continue unless the proper measures are in place to identify and deter this criminal act. This incident has also heightened our awareness of the need for greater border security, additional training and stricter laws so that any future occurrences of wildlife smuggling may be quickly

detected or even avoided.

The Government of the Bahamas is making strides in responding to efforts to protect endemic species like the iguana, as well as other wildlife.

The San Salvador Rock Iguana (Cyclura rileyi) is one of three species of iguanas found in The Bahamas. There are three subspecies of this species one of which can be found in San

Salvador, another in the Fish Cays (Bight of Acklins) and the third on White or Sandy Cay at the southern end of Exuma.

The Government has approvedin-principle the creation of the San Salvador National Park, subject to extensive public consultations led by my Ministry. We are confident that this park will provide protection for the sub-species found there.

A number of agencies and personnel were involved in the process of addressing the issues that arose from the smuggling incident. The BEST Commission, within my Ministry was charged by me with coordinating the exchange with many technical experts who have worked tirelessly to return the 12 iguanas to The Bahamas.

I would like to publicly thank

Mrs. Buchner, Dr. Maurice Isaacs, Mr. Eric Carey and the Bahamas National Trust, Mrs. Eleanor Philips and The Nature Conservancy, the Commissioner of Police and the officers of the RBPF, Commodore Roderick Bowe and officers of the RBDF, NAD Officials and the Ministry of Transport & Aviation who have worked quietly and diligently to repatriate these animals. In no small measure I also wish to thank the Bahamas

High Commission, British Airways and the United Kingdom Authorities represented by Ms. Anne Ainsley and Mr. Timothy Luffman.

My Ministry along with the Bahamas National Trust has facilitated efforts to conduct a Anti-Wildlife Smuggling Training programme on July 11th from 9am -1pm. A Public Meeting on Animal Trafficking

will also be held the same day from 7 to 10pm. Both events will be held at the Retreat grounds of the Bahamas National Trust.

I look forward to meaningful discussions and expect that all would attend.

Thank you.

List of Attendees for Press Conference

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Deputy Prime Minister, Phillip Davis, Minister of Works and Urban Renewal

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Minister Kenred Dorsett, Minister for

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Mr. David Cates, Acting Permanent Secreatry‐ Ministry of The Environment & Housing

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Mr. Michael Braynen, Director of the Dept. of Marine Resources

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Mr. Philip S. Weech, Director of the BEST Commission

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Sandy Buckner, Animal Specialist

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Dr. Maurice Isaacs, Vetenarian, Ministry of Agriculture

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U.K. Wildlife Official Anne Ainsley and Timothy Luffman

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Samantha Miller, Environmental Officer‐ The BEST Commission

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Other government officials: Ministers, Permanent Secretaries etc…

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Officers from the RPPF

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Officers from the RBDF

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Eric Carey, Director, BNT

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Eleanor Phillips, Director, TNC

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Local Press

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BBC Press (2‐3 persons)

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British Airways Representative(s)

Salutations: Minister Philip Brave Davis, Deputy Prime Minister of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas, Minister of Works & Urban Renewal and M.P. for Cat Island, Rum Cay and San Salvador, Anne Ainsley, Timothy Luffman and Officials representing the Government of The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland Officials from the Bahamas High Commission Permanent Secretaries, Heads of Departments, Officers of the RBPF, the RBDF, Representatives from LPIA, the BBC and British Airways‌ Ladies, Gentlemen Good Afternoon‌