Red Bank Villagers Protest Proposed Expansion of Scarlet Macaw Protected Area

Dozens of villagers held a protest yesterday in Red Bank Village, expressing concerns linked to the planned expansion of a protected area for scarlet macaws in and around the community.  The protest follows comments made last week by Minister Orlando Habet, who explained that the government is moving to strengthen protection of the sensitive riverine and nesting areas used by the macaws. Habet said the area is environmentally fragile and that government does not want any further lands issued in or near the river, adding that consultations are ongoing with farmers, landowners, and village stakeholders.  According to the minister, community reaction to the proposal has been mixed, with residents questioning what tangible benefits the village would receive, particularly as tour operators regularly bring visitors to view the macaws. Habet noted that government officials have suggested community-based opportunities such as handicraft production, small food establishments, and agreements requiring tour operators to contribute financially to village development. He also said the possibility of introducing an entrance fee is being explored, which could allow funds to be channeled back into the community with support from agencies such as PACT.  Despite those proposals, some villagers say they remain unconvinced, prompting the protest.

Villager: “That’s what they’re proposing for the area.”

Reporter: They want that to become a protected area.

Villager: “They want it to become a protected area. “

Reporter: What’s the reason for that. 

Villager: “The reason is because of the Scarlet Macaw. You know this is the home of the Scarlet Macaw. As you can see on my jersey the Scarlet Macaw because I love the bird right ? It’s not the first time that we’re trying to do my planting of trees, conserving the trees that the bird eats because we are adjacent to, I live close to the hill where you can see behind me and I try to take care of it because I know that’s where the birds come and feed.”

Reporter: But the proposal is about protecting such area. 

Villager: “Yes they want to like I said they want to protect all of this area the whole hill and maybe several at the back and then we don’t know. Like I said we are concerned because we don’t know where that is going to draw the line.’

Reporter: You said it will go all the way to Swasey River.

Villager: “From Swasey River the hill along the Redbank Village on the Southern Highway. So like I said we don’t know and that’s what the people are demanding, answers. Village council come and explain to us, show us the map, what is it that you are proposing for the village then that’s thinly way you can educate your villagers to say this is what we are proposing for Red Bank, what do you think about it? That is what I think about first. If you look right there on that valley there are people who do little farming between those hills. So if that comes into effect definitely those farmers will be affected, well according to the minister they might have to stop them from doing their framing there and then where are they going to go there ? You understand / And if like what people are saying Sanctuary II is that you will be given that opportunity still to go cut your firewood but that’s just to sweet the people. The purpose of today’s meeting is to sensitize the people of a Sanctuary II that is proposed for Redbank and as you saw earlier people are gathered out there discussing, talking about it they’re not aware of what is taking place until when that news came out form Channel 5 stating that a Sanctuary II is proposed for Redbank Village which the villagers are not aware about and myself so it really concerned because I had to take the initiative to bring the people together and let them know what is taking place it is wrong in the first place because first the village council would have come and educate the people and inform the people of what is going to take place. But according to the news it’s on it’s final stage we don’t know how far it is but then at the same time why do the consultation after when you do the signing ? You should have done the consultation before.”

Minister Habet has said further visits and consultations are planned, including engagement with the farming community and private landowners in the area, as government seeks to balance environmental conservation with the livelihoods and development needs of Red Bank Village.