A representative from the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW), who is presently in Dominica, has stated that parrots, which were at the Parrot Aviary in the Botanic Gardens before they were taken to Germany, were healthy.
This appears to contradict statements made by Acting Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture, Dr. Reginald Thomas, who said that he had noticed health issues with the birds before they were flown out of the island.
Recently 12 parrots, two Sisserous and 10 Jacos, were taken out of the island to a center in Germany, sparking controversy on the island. The government said this was done for breeding purposes.
One of the issues Dr. Thomas spoke about in explaining the matter, was the health of the birds at the aviary.
“I’ve noticed many health issues with the birds kept at the facility based on the feeding and other husbandry practices,” Thomas, who is also a veterinarian said.
But based on what Shannon Walajtys, Manager of Disaster Response at IFAW, said in an interview on The Hot Seat on Q95, this was not the case.
She admitted the aviary was not meant to be a breeding nor a rehabilitation center but “we had to do quite a bit of work not only repairing and building the appropriate structures to support the center staff’s work but also looking towards the future.”
“Now that the Division of Forestry has stepped up and offered to care for injured parrots coming in after a natural disaster we were looking forward to moving into a state of providing rescue, rehabilitation and release programs here not only for the parrots but all animals,” she stated.
Walajtys stated that an IFAW team visited Dominica about five weeks ago and all the parrots at the facility were medically examined.
“At that time we had performed full medical exams, literally capturing and examining the birds, taking their weight, measuring their keel score, drawing blood for disease screening, checking every feather, documenting every step of the way with photographs, videos and in a log book,” she explained.
She said at that time, only two parrots were receiving medical treatment.
“We know in all but two parrots, those were health parrots,” she stated. “Two parrots were receiving medical treatments, one for a sinus infection that he had received before he had come in and another for injuries to two of his toes. Other than that, all the other birds were given a clean bill of health. No one else was under medical treatment.”
Walajtys stated that the IFAW team was shocked upon their arrival in Dominica recently to learn the parrots were gone.
She explained that there was a plan to take care of the birds until the environment was sustainable for them to survive.
“We had pretty much agreed that the growth (of the forest) had not occurred as quickly as we had hoped up in the higher elevations which is the true home range for the parrots, especially the Sisserou,” she said. “That environment we had been monitoring, as well as the Division of Forestry. The environment is not coming back yet. We are not seeing the growth of the appropriate food source for the parrots, therefore we had planned long-term rehabilitative care at the parrot center until which time the environment was ready to sustain their lives.”
IFAW has visited Dominica at least three times since Hurricane Maria to assess and support the rehabilitation of rescued parrots and other animals.
Dominicans have been taking care of their parrots for hundreds of years, why did the parrots have to leave the island to breed? Dominicans are fully capable of breeding the parrots. Something smells right there.
All those criticizing about the Oppositions role, just listen to Hon. Lennox LINTON please. . Listen to them and what they are saying, they not on the other stations so Q95 it is. Open your minds. And bring back out Parrots or tell the real truth
looking at that picture they are beautiful birds
Probably lonely in Germany, being ripped out of the habitat they were born and grew up in.
Bring the birds back. they are the children of Ma Dominica just like we are. The degree of emotional pain suffered by some since many days past, because of this secret transaction, is in direct proportion to our connection with them in the bigger scheme of things.
Bring the Birds Back! and bring them back now, no matter what. Bring the Birds Back!
DNO. You made your point on the parrots issue so let’s move on. Stop being bias and get important news for people. We the people of the east needs to know from domlec when will power restored. Ask the credit union when will the beach I southeast will be open. Find out when will the new Laronde bridge be completed. Wats the plans for repairing the schools in the southeast. These are the real issues we want answers to and not going back and forth about parrots.
@Jay Prosper: Are you suggesting that the parrot, our national bird, is not an important issue? Don’t you care that, very soon, we may no longer have ANYTHING that is unique to Dominica? What significance will the parrot be to our Coat of Arms or our flag if it is sent/sold to other countries? You are asking DNO to ask questions that you can very easily ask those institutions yourself. Are you too lazy to make that call or go in person? It is sad, and unfortunate, that you don’t understand how important the Sisserou Parrot is to Dominica, to our identity, our pride. I can only say thank God you are in the minority because if your views represented those of the majority on here, I would have no reason to hope for a better Dominica!
Why don’t you ask the people whom you elected these very question? You did not elect DNO so allow them to do their do.
Kid on the block???? I’m happy you have recognise the words people need help to build their home me. UWP is not the one with the money tree, don’t ask them they help because DLP have neve gave them any of the money they have revive to assist their constituents.
Good your eye is now opening so you can see truth from what is happening in the country.
The prime minister needs to do better with all the cash at his disposal??????
The opposition is part of Government. It is a government in waiting. The same way the PM could go out as you ALL say ( beg) why can’t the opposition leader assist? What has Lennox done other than criticize and try to destroy everything the government is doing. Who prevent you all from having money? Is it because the Opposition is not recognized regionally far less internationally? Time like now, ALL HANDS SHUOLD BE ON DECK to rebuild the country.
UWP don’t have money but ALL YOU can find money to give Lennox for him to pay in court after all the BS he doing? but you all want Skerrit to go and beg for all.
Man, you are daft. The opposition is part of parliament and not part of government. Tell me one opposition person that is a member of government. I don’t even want to waste more of my time on your illogical arguments.
Kid
some how i believe, in reality you are of age. but only wish you were still a child
so your misbehavior can be overlooked .
But again you could be an adult with an underdeveloped brain and therefore you consider yourself to still be a kid .
My opinion dat OK .
Kid On The Block, It’s Friday the Stations Of The Cross is on. Go pray and stop swearing at people
My, my Maria made you worst eh. Lennox will cause you to loose your Soul Girl.
Toto for your information WE THE PEOPLE is the Government. We elect those people as a body to take care of affairs for us. We are the one with the power, THEY only represent us. That’s why when THEY do wrong and we are not pleased we (vote) take them out and replace them. Your mind is just too shallow to understand civics! It’s like you have a business and you employ workers.
@ KID ON THE block
Instead of worry with the opposition, why don’t u take some of the millions wasted on bribing and flying in thousands of traitorous Dominicans to steal elections and put it to rebuild Dominica instead.
Let the opposition take their money to prevent innocent people from taking jail for defending dominica from thieves. No where in the world is it the responsibility of opposition to develop a country by raising money on a talk show. So throw away this silly talk it makes Dominican look like fools in the eyes of the world.
Mexican, for your information, the opposition first flew thousands from overseas to come and vote in general elections and they are still doing so. not because Labor party has more money than you all now you all have to complain. Same like when Ron Green took Peter St. Jean to the courts for having dual citizenship while he( Ron) stood with an American passport in his back pocket in the very same court.
Yes, keep taking your monies and give Lennox to pay for his lying tongue instead of helping the citizens of the country this makes you all smart in the eyes of the world.
The plot thickens…
I have no idea who is telling the truth in this saga but all i’ll say is that there are too many Dominicans with all kinds of letters after their names, Dr. PhD, MSc, Ma, Bsc, Ba, who are more than willing to sacrifice their integrity and professionalism for political gain.
Are the people who are making comments about returning the birds aware that these birds are been killed and eaten as they look for food close to populated areas. This is a far greater concern than the use of these parrots in a scientific experiment that could help prevent their extinction. For once let us stop playing stupid politics and using this issue to spread political propaganda.
Anon
there are procedures established for all such matters ,
when these are violated people will talk .Respect that .
Dominicans should have been informed of the intended plan of moving the birds for whatever reason and this is also my opinion .
Dominica still belongs to Dominicans therefore they should be kept in the loop .
It’s not what you do but how you do what you do which sometimes matter .
don’t trample all over us like that nah .
Garçon, with these rash/undercover decisions we keep on making in Dominica, we’re an endangered species too. I think some of us need to go to Germany with the parrots. I’ll volunteer myself. Who’s next?
The government sets the tone for the rest of the country so it’s important that the leader and his Cabinet of Ministers be honest and forthright with the people. Lies breed distrust. For a nation to strive, the people must have full confidence in their leaders ability to tell the truth. Any good or long lasting relationship whether it be romantic, platonic , professional or otherwise is built on truthfulness and trust. This government seems allergic to the truth. They don’t tell the truth nor take the truth too well. Truth has become the new hate speech for them. They, the governing party, has developed a culture of mendacity in the country so it has trickled down from the leader to the Ministers to the Permanent Secretaries. Much of the information disseminated by government is fictitious. The people need a government that they can trust to say and do the right thing.
I surprise reggie even know it have birds in de gardens
DNO and Matt on a mission! Since when They so interested in those parrots? Reasons were given why the parrots were moved. The parrots were not killed or harmed, yet a big hoopla about parrots.
Why UWP are not talking about the people that need assistance with their homes and offer some help before the next hurricane session instead of all that BS going on about parrots that are happy enjoying their trip to Germany!
kid on the block you need to get out of big man talk!!!
How does UWP come into this? You are such a fool! Asking what does UWP do to support people, let me ask you, what has Labour Party do to help people? I am asking about the Labour Party and no the so called government of Dominica.
As your name suggests, you are new to the scene so I hope that you are not the same one that is trying to form that new media association in the disguise of a mouthpiece for the government .
You should take time to learn about the issues before you come out and open your mouth. Matt has a saying that “it is better to think as a fool than open your mouth and remove all doubts”.
You are now just doing Matt’s saying, Vernon.
@KOTB. . .this is an issue of national concern. Why are you making it political? It was the experts from IFAW that contracted what Dr. Thomas said, based on their own assessments/observations – it wasn’t the UWP! Where is your patriotism? Don’t you care what happens to our NATIONAL bird? Maybe you don’t understand its significance but at least try to be objective instead of being political and ask yourself why, if the transfer of our parrots to Germany was for their own protection, it was done in secrecy, on a Saturday and via a chartered plane. Why wasn’t the head of the aviary involved or at least informed? Take off your blinders because you may just end up saving yourself and your future generation!
@KOTB: You have proven that you are incapable of thinking critically. It is either that or you Re. your comment about Lennox and the Privy Council. . .Jesus was also accused and condemned to die on the cross. Guess what? He was not guilty! But I get the feeling I am telling you something that you already know. . .
Your a brainwash fool,Skerrit and his regime have sold these birds,and soon he will sell Dominica,you are one that have placed Skerrit instaed of praising the almighty,but he will continue to wash away all the corruption with his mighty storms,by the time he is done with the corruption many of you will be on your knees begging for mercy.
Dominica is doomed,theses are our pride and joy should not be sold to ant other country.
jihan, I praise Skerrit just as you ADORE LENNOX LINTON as your god! Skerrit has never been convicted by any court of law for any wrong doings but go to the records of the Privy Council and find out who was the last Dominican to be branded ……………..
MY, MY, MY DNO and Matt you blaming my brother ? you’re not concerned about things happening without the knowledge of the citizens of the country , you’re not concerned of the lack of accountability and transparency , you;re not concerned about the pride of your country ? Are you or are you not aware of the significance of our national bird ? didn’t you read the report from the professionals who indicated that the Parrots were in good health and doing well ? Why would you allow your political bias towards the Labour party to have you talking such garbage , come on man put country first for once . SMFH
Kid on the block, no matter what it involves there has to be a starting point.So do you want to decide for the rest of us when is a good time to start showing more concern our National Birds? If you are not concerned about our national birds just come out and say so.
The National Bird is at least a symbol of pride to many citizens. Imagine, no where else on planet earth the Sisseton parrot can be found but in Dominica. This particular type of parrot is endemic to only one country in the whole wide world. This is something to cherish. So KID, stop with your infantile talk.
Once you are associated to Skeritt, what do you expect. Remember the famous lie fabricated by Tony, aided and abeted by Skeritt, in order to try to jail Lennox.
Y’all really be hating??? and what y’all want will never see it
I’ve noticed many health issues with the birds kept at the facility based on the feeding and other husbandry practices,” Thomas, who is also a veterinarian said.
My question to Dr. Thomas is when did he notice? what did he do? and what did he advise the staff. Did he notice said nothing and moved on. Tbat does not sound like a vet who has the best interest of birds in mind. This is the kind of action tbat will cause people to never trust the authorities. What is there to hide. It it smells like a pig and looks like a pig then it must be a darn pig. I cannot wait for the day when Dominicans will rise up and stand for something better. Our passports, our people pur national birds have been made wothout value. We are paraded as poor helpless people to get aid money. Stay hungry and poor so foriegn help keep coming. My passport means absolutely nothing. Our national bird will soon foloow suit our people already worth more being poor ignorant and stupid to the gov.
The birds are just one issue in these difficult times. However just like Greneda and Antigua we are just not ready for a change of government, stability is more important given the gravity of work to be done rebuilding. I am with you I do not particularly like the PM style nor the govt but just simply wait one more year, reorganize and beat them at the polls.
Joe if you were to give me $10,000 17 years ago to invest for you and for 17 years i have squandered that investment then disaster strike and your family is suffering and broke, would you give me more money invest for you? or would you get a new investor? If after 17 years when things were relatively good i never turned a profit or provided return on investment to put your family in a better spot so they can stand on thier own in hard times what would make you give me invest for you again. Your investment is now worth $5,000 or probably nothing. A man with half a brain would figure what to do. If you were to give to in est for you now that would make you nothing but a fool. We are already reduced to nothing so now is the best time to start a new and grow with a new vision and direction. That excuse about stability is pure BS and and excuse to swindle you for your money.
Well said Shaka Zula
There is absolutely no surprise in this article. The basic of Dominican thinkers knew that there was something untoward with the manner in which this operation was conducted. First eye-opener is related to the lack of knowledge of the officer with direct responsibility for these parrots. The issue at had is whether anyone will be made to pay for what amounts to a crime, and when will this birds be returned to our land.
Everything in Dominica is secrecy . Nothing surprise me anymore. When people live in a country with no transparency and accountability what do you expect . I have to say the people are so afraid to speak up bc of victimization . It’s sad that the birds leave island without the people knowing. I don’t believe they will be return. I really don’t support any party in Dominica bc I lived out of Dominica most of my life but I don’t like what am hearing or reading.I really have second thoughts on returning . At the end of the day I still love the land of my birth ❤️
Where there is corruption there is also a lot of lies. What we have in Dominica is a very corrupt government that is bent on lying their way out . When these guys got in power fighting to get Bird Island was in the heart of late pm Rosie Douglas. As soon as this guy became PM, he went to Venezuela and declared that Bird Island is the rightful property of Venezuela. How much money was paid? I don’t know but one man who is not a lawyer, rulled in favor of Venezuela against Dominica, at a time when other international leaders vowed to help us get Bird island. Like bird island, our parrots disappeared in secret, on a Saturday? Did somebody get paid in secret? I don’t know but sounds like familiar spirit to me
Since when y’all so interested in those birds be for all of this you guy been hunting them, is just because is skerrit , y’all running your mouths. Honestly what do y’all know but the life of them birds.
I find all you harassing them birds…every feather was checked you say? Poor birds. Too much man-handling.
Here we go, boy Thomas you just had to find yourself covering the lies of the administration who sold the birds for profit and are laundering the funds by purchasing assets. and then when the international community blacklist the country all you Dominicans are up in arms when you have the leadership of the country participating in money laundering activities?
DNO, what’s all this birth crap about? Are you saying that the birds were sold for a profit? What’s your point? If so, who profited? Dr. Thomas, the government? Who? I’m not even sure what the real issue is. Do you want the birds back in Dominica? What if another hurricane hits? Where will they sick refuge now that their habit have been compromised? What the hell is the purpose of all this BS bird cry. If the UWP think they the facilities to take care of the birds then they need to make it clear because I’m so #$%# confused as to what this is all about. Dr. Thomas made himself quite clear, he’s a vet. Did you find out if the birds were nursed to good health before they were exported? Did you make an effort to get your story straight rather than behaving like a tabloid and publishing fake news? DNO, it’s time to produce real news and remove those blue glasses. Shame on you…
If you are so confused as you claim then you are part of the problem!
Dont you get it????!!!! IT’S THE SECRECY WE HAVE A PROBLEM WITH!!!
Transparency???? Go ask your novice leader what he is doing with all the money he is raising the “poor” people’s back…..
MACAK that’s all i have to say about your bias views . SAWAY MACAK
Looks like someone made Reginald Thomas play the fall guy and for some reason he did fall for it. this Given the international furore created by this. I am surprised that neither Mr. Skerrit, nor the Minister of agriculture to whom Dr. Thomas reports, have made their voices heard on this matter and that does not only surprise me but makes me suspicious that either a pecuniary gain or other favours are at the bottom of this.
STORIES STORIES STORIES……………..