MESSAGE FROM THE HONOURABLE STEPHENSON KING,

PRIME MINISTER OF SAINT LUCIA

Though Saint Lucia is an island rich in bird life, there has been very little information relating specifically to the endemic and migratory species found there.  It therefore pleases me that this book, which incorporates high quality photographs and illustrations, attempts to rectify this omission and I take this opportunity to express my heartfelt congratulations to all those involved in its preparation and completion.  The book provides much needed information and recognition of our island not simply as a destination for sun, sea and sand, but also as an important destination for bird watching, not only for the dedicated birdwatcher, but also for those who will be fascinated and intrigued by the birds they will encounter while enjoying the delights that Saint Lucia has to offer.   

We, as Saint Lucians, have always taken pride and joy in our birds. This was evident when in 1979 we declared the Saint Lucia Parrot (Amazona versicolor) and affectionately referred to as “Jacquot” as one of our national symbols, and featured two of them prominently on our Coat-of-Arms.  In 1980 we enacted the Wildlife Protection Act, established a parrot sanctuary and embarked on a conservation education campaign that has resulted in a reversal of the decline in the parrot population from less than 150 individuals in 1975 to over 800 individuals in 2003.  There is evidence that the parrot may not only continue to flourish in the forest reserves and surrounding areas, but extend its range into the patchy secondary forests which it formerly inhabited.

This book complements the good beginning that was created in the effort to save the Saint Lucia Parrot.  It reminds us of the urgency to protect all birds and their habitats in Saint Lucia.  If we do not succeed in protecting them, this book will be far less important to Saint Lucia and the millions of bird lovers around the world.  It is therefore imperative that we continue to develop and implement strategies that will contribute to the conservation and protection of the birds, both resident and migratory, and their habitats. This will help to sustain the genuine interest and enthusiasm for birds by Saint Lucians and birdwatchers worldwide who wish to visit Saint Lucia to observe our birds in their natural environment.

Finally, I wish to express special appreciation to all those involved in the preparation and completion of this field guide to the birds of Saint Lucia.  In particular, the bird identification experts, photographers, writers, artists and producers from Saint Lucia, Taiwan and Canada, who have voluntarily given their expertise and their time to make this book a reality, deserve special commendation.  It is my hope that their efforts will not be in vain and this output will be a valuable resource for both Saint Lucians and visitors to our shores.