As the monkey population continues to expand within the country, the government has yet to outline a definitive plan to address this challenge.
The proposed conceptual strategy envisions a collaborative effort between the Ministry of Agriculture and various other ministries and agencies.
The primary aim is to curtail the population growth, a concern that isn’t currently posing a threat to certain farmers.
Lionel Max Hurst, Chief of Staff to the Prime Minister, acknowledged that the full realization of the plan is still pending. He drew parallels to other nations like St. Kitts and Nevis and Barbados, where similar challenges are being tackled.
Hurst emphasized the prolific nature of monkeys, stating, “I believe they are more prolific than human beings. A female monkey can give birth to offspring within nine months and repeat this multiple times in the same span. It’s of utmost importance that we put in our best efforts to prevent their population from escalating.”
There is a growing apprehension among prominent members of society that monkeys could become an invasive species, joining the roster of other invasive animals already established on the island, such as the Giant African Snail, fire ants, and the Cuban Tree Frog.
Only way to prevent the spread is to either hunt and kill or a sterilized method. Antigua is too small to have an invasion by monkeys. They’ll wreck havoc on our ecosystem.
The Government of Antigua and Barbuda is always working against its people to disenfranchise them, by allowing these animals as well as the Cuban frogs and more to invade the land. Gaston’s farm is fenced, has lights, and water. So to heck with the people who are trying to eek out a living.