Minister for Agriculture Lisa Jawahir is cautioning Saint Lucians against spreading and believing unverified reports about snakes circulating on social media, warning that misinformation is contributing to public panic amid growing concern over snake sightings across the island.
THe appeal follows a recent publication of a venomous snake sighting in Castries, particularly in the CDC, a residential and commercial area.
Following investigations into the claims, the Ministry of Agriculture noted the claims were false, causing widespread panic among the public.
“It is very dangerous for us to read every single thing we see on social media and believe that it is the truth,” Jawahir said, as fears continue to mount following a series of reported sightings and snake bite incidents.
The minister noted that while the issue is serious, exaggerated and misleading information online is creating unnecessary alarm among the public.
“It is quite scary the information you get…some of it is indeed not the case,” she stated.
Jawahir said the Ministry of Agriculture is now preparing a more aggressive public education campaign aimed at addressing misconceptions surrounding snakes and how people should respond if they encounter one.
“We need to engage in a comprehensive educational campaign to really help our people understand how to manage should they come in contact with a snake,” she explained.
According to the minister, many of the recent sightings are linked to environmental and agricultural changes occurring across the island.
“The challenges we face at this point really kind of took Saint Lucia off guard. All of a sudden you’re seeing complete infestation across Saint Lucia,” she said.
Data collected by the ministry suggests that snakes are increasingly inhabiting abandoned farms and are also being displaced from areas impacted by quarry blasting.
“They’re also coming away from areas where there are quarry blastings,” Jawahir explained.
She also pointed to declining agricultural activity as another contributing factor.
“We don’t spray the farms as much as we used to because some farmers are not engaging in full-fledged banana production like in times past,” she noted.
The minister further stressed that poor sanitation and rodent infestations are creating ideal conditions for snake activity.
“The snakes are not coming in areas where there are no rodents. So wherever there are rodents and food left unattended to, they will come out and you will see frequent sightings,” she warned.
Jawahir said displaced snakes are also appearing in communities where sightings were previously uncommon, with some seeking warmth under vehicle engines.
“The reality is all across Saint Lucia there are snakes,” she stated.
Her comments come amid heightened national concern following recent snake bite incidents, including the death of a Ministry of Agriculture worker who had reportedly suffered multiple snake bites.
The minister revealed that discussions are underway with the Ministry of Health to strengthen the island’s preparedness, including improving access to antivenom supplies.
Cabinet she noted recently approved an awareness initiative which is expected to roll out soon, providing the public with verified information and practical safety guidance.
“We want to ensure that the people of Saint Lucia remain safe throughout all of this,” she said, urging citizens to rely on official information from the Ministry of Agriculture instead of unverified social media posts and rumours.
