SVG National Trust urges livestock owners to keep animals out of Martin’s petroglyph park, Argyle.
By Admin. Updated 2:05 p.m., Monday, October 26, 2026, Atlantic Standard Time (GMT-4).
The St Vincent and the Grenadines National Trust has issued an urgent appeal to livestock owners in Argyle, asking them to secure their animals or remove them from Martin’s Petroglyph Park without delay.
The appeal comes as work continues at the heritage site to improve, maintain and preserve it. The Trust is carrying out the work in collaboration with the Ministry of National Heritage; the Ministry of Housing, Urban Development, Land Management and Informal Settlement Upgrading; and Mr Andrew John, the constituency representative for the area.
Landscaping is being carried out at the park and its surroundings. However, the Trust says animals roaming freely on the grounds have become a serious concern.
According to the Trust, the animals pose a risk to the petroglyphs themselves, to existing signage, and to the grounds now being upgraded. They have also been trampling newly landscaped areas. This is creating extra work for the landscaping team and slowing progress on the project.
In a public notice, the Trust urged livestock owners to “ACT NOW”, stating that their cooperation is essential if further damage is to be prevented and the improvements are not to be undermined.
The appeal is not limited to livestock owners. The Trust is also asking members of the public not to enter the premises without authorisation. Most importantly, it is asking people not to deface, mark, scratch or otherwise damage the petroglyphs.
The Trust described the ancient carvings as irreplaceable records of the past. It warned that any deliberate damage could mean the permanent loss of an important part of the nation’s cultural history.
Members of the public are being urged to treat the area responsibly, to respect the petroglyphs and the surrounding grounds, and to help prevent any activity that could compromise the integrity of the site. Failure to remove livestock by owners could result in the impoundment and or culling of such livestock.
“The protection of our heritage is a shared responsibility,” the Trust said, calling on the entire community to take the appeal seriously and work together so that Martin’s Petroglyph Park is preserved for present and future generations.
The SVG National Trust thanked the public for its cooperation and support.
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