Her Excellency the Governor Elizabeth Carriere hosted the launch of a book entitled ‘Birding in paradise – The Caribbean Emerald Isle of Montserrat’ at Government House in Woodlands, on Thursday, October 29, 2015.
The book which presents a guide to bird watching, nature and heritage sites, co-authored by Mike and Ann Penkovsky provides a foundation for tourists who want to get a true understanding of Montserrat’s history.
Governor Carriere expressing some thoughts on the book, considered it, ‘fantastic’, the inclusion in the book, “a little bit of the history and heritage” of Montserrat, which, “…will help those who come to the island and those who are thinking of coming to the island know about it better and know the beauty of it.”
The Governor explained that “The UK Overseas Territories Conservation Forum (UKOTCF) Team which is Mike and Ann Penkovsky and Catherine Wenzing have donated their time, their knowledge and materials and funded the production of this book.”
She said the UKOTCF has been working with partners in Montserrat for over twenty years with the help of a local team who are Sarita Francis and James scriber Daley.
Present at this launch was the East Caribbean German Ambassador who was making on a one day visit made it in time to witness the launch.
Director of Agriculture Mellissa Ogarro represented the absent Honorable Minister of Agriculture, Trade, Lands Housing on the Environment Claude Hogan. On his behalf, she lauded the efforts of the team for scripting what he refers to as a wonderful resources guide, conveying Mr. Hogan’s confidence in the wealth of information contained in the publication about Montserrat’s natural environment and heritage. 
She said still speaking for the Minister: “I envisage that this publication will become an asset in leveraging a unique niche tourism clientele to our Island. A low density but higher revenue market that is key for development while maintaining and preserving an environment that can be sustainably used and appreciated for generations to come.”
It is vital for our youths to be in tune with nature. Using this guide can broaden a child horizon and Garner respect and stewardship for the environment.
