The Environmental Awareness Group (EAG) proudly hosted Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health, Wellness, environment and civil Service Affairs Mr. Colin O’Keiffe, on a guided tour of the Antigua Racer Snake Conservation Project on 21st July 2025, highlighting the importance of preserving one of the world’s rarest and most remarkable reptiles — the Antigua Racer (Alsophis antiguae).
The visit took place on Great Bird Island, one of the key offshore islands where the Antigua Racer population has rebounded following years of conservation work. Permanent Secretary Mr. Colin O’Keiffe was accompanied by members of the EAG team, EAG conservation partner Flora and Fauna, Permanent Secretaries and staff from other Ministries and Officials from the Ministry of Tourism who shared insights into the challenges, successes, possible benefits to be derived from initiatives through eco-tourism of restoring the island’s fragile ecosystem.
“This project is a true example of effective collaboration and environmental leadership,” said PS O’Keiffe. “It is heartening to see how science, community involvement, and long-term vision have helped to bring the Antigua Racer back from the brink of extinction.”
Over the past 30 years, the conservation efforts of the Government of Antigua and Barbuda, the Antiguan Racer Conservation Project (ARCP) and the Offshore Islands Conservation Programme, and their partners saved the Antiguan Racer from imminent extinction when its population plummeted to 50 individuals in 1995. By eradicating invasive mammalian predators, building public pride in the snakes and restoring these offshore habitats, the ARCP successfully reintroduced the snake to three additional islands within its original range. By 2015, the population had rebounded to over 1,200 individuals.
EAG Team welcomed the participation of all present, stating, “We are honoured by multi-sector representation present and pledges for continued support. They went on to state that having individuals witness firsthand the impact of EAG’s work strengthens their shared commitment to preserving Antigua and Barbuda’s unique biodiversity.”
The EAG looks forward to ongoing collaboration with government agencies, local communities, and international partners to ensure the long-term survival of the Antigua Racer and other endangered species within the twin-island nation’s natural heritage.