Police Spokesman Johan Janchi Leonard said he was personally approached about the matter which can become a real nuisance if not handled properly. Leonard said they the police are now looking to find those that are handling animal welfare to check into this matter and to see if these people can at least capture these animals and place them in a safe environment. "While we are not targeting any specific organization we would be seeking to see who can assist with the problem at hand". Leonard said.
Isidore York better known as the Mighty York said he personally saw at least 25 monkeys in the yard of the Qualichi Center on the pomserrat trees. "When I saw these animals I called out to my neighbors and children who were all amazed at the different sizes and color." York said he personally became concerned because it was evident that the monkeys are wild and living on the hills but now they are looking for food they are approaching the homes.
When this reporter visited the area yesterday there was no sight of the animals mainly because renovation work is taking place at the home next to York's. The resident has since promised to take photos if and when the animals return.
Pamela Sims from Animal Welfare said they occasionally are called to catch monkeys. She said that this is not an easy task and the neighbors have to assist with the process since they would have to train these animals to come at the same time and location which would make the trapping easier. Sims said Animal Welfare is not set up to catch wild animals and they are being hindered since they only have three people working in the ambulance team. Another down side to this episode is the St. Maarten Zoo is not accepting no more monkeys since they have more than is needed at the Zoo. The only alternative Sims said is that when these wild animals are trapped they are taken to the Animal Centers where they are put to sleep even though they regret the idea there is nothing else that can be done.
Residents of Bel Air also expressed the same concern saying that people have brought in these monkeys from St. Kitts and when they get older and become nuisances they are being released in the wild. "Right now there are several wild monkeys that live on all the hills on St. Maarten and if people are to begin some sort of kitchen gardening to combat the economic effects the monkeys are the ones who would be harvesting the crops."