Efforts are continuing to reduce and to eventually eliminate the Pterois Volitans (lionfish) invasive species in the waters of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, specifically, the Grenadines. The St. Vincent and the Grenadines One Health Project Team disclosed those plans at the launch of their country project at a press briefing on Wednesday, April 13, at the Fisheries conference room.
The core leaders of the One Health Project Team are: Drs. Malaika Glasgow and Kathian Herbert-Hackshaw of the Animal Health and Production Division, Ministry of Agriculture, and Kerry-Ann Hamilton, College Counsellor, SVG Community College. Other team members are Senior Fisheries Assistant, Shamal Connell, Senior Environmental Health Officer, Todd Lewis, and Senior Tourism Officer, Annille Beache.
In introducing the team, Kerry-Ann Hamilton said the aim of the One Health Project is to “improve health and well-being through the prevention of risk and mitigation of effects of crisis that originate at the interface between humans, animals, and their various environments”.
Also, Hamilton said there will be several activities to create further awareness of the lionfish and its effects on local fish populations. Activities include visits to secondary and primary schools in the Grenadines, poster competitions, and cook-offs.
To ensure a multi-sectoral approach, Hamilton explained that the One Health Project Team will collaborate with the SVG Hotel and Tourism Association, the Mayreau Regatta Association.
