Numerous concerned citizens and organizations tasked with both the welfare of animals and with environmental protection on Sint Maarten are concerned about the situation which has developed at the "so-called" Iguana Park.

Several violations regarding animal husbandry components and of poor quality animal care at the Iguana Park have been reported. The animals are showing stress in dirty, confined steel cages, lacking any kind of healthy stimulation, proper nutrition, or access to veterinary care (e.g.the monkey was captured from the wild; this inhumane action is against all international transport animal agreements - only animals born in captivity can be caged.)

 Considering that it is essential that transparency and cooperation exists between the various governmental entities and accredited organizations for the crucial protection of our fragile borders, wildlife, and environment, it is in the interest of the people of Sint Maarten to have the following pertinent questions regarding the operation as it stands in terms of animal husbandry:

1)  Was there a notice in the media allowing the public to protest this permit request, and if so, where and on which date did it appear?

2)  Is there a certificate of good health available from a registered veterinarian about the     monkey, raccoons, boa constrictor and various tropical birds anywhere reported?

3) Is there a suitable hurricane contingency plan for the park?

4) Is there government water and current at the site?

5) Were transportation regulations followed for import of animals and birds to the park?

6) Did the import of specimens occur in adherence to the Convention on Trade in Endangered Species?

7) Did the necessary due diligence take place as it relates to the Nature Conservation Ordinance AB 2013?

8. Has the VROMI Ministry inventoried species according to their potential for invasiveness and have the enclosures been sufficiently scrutinized for their security?

9) In short: has anyone with professional competence evaluated the general suitability of the Iguana Park as an attraction?

 Various organizations are opposed to the issuance of the Iguana Park animal permits. Since June of this year requests for governmental assistance and cooperation regarding Iguana Park's negligence toward their humane responsibilities have gone without response.

The people of St. Maarten respectfully request an urgent investigation into the issuance of the permits for the Iguana Park. The issuance of such permits, conformity with statutory guidelines and stipulating conditions must comply with all official requirements. Legal procedures need to be followed; no one should be exempt from respecting the laws of the land.