By: Kebba Ansu Manneh
Dr. Heather Armstrong, the daughter of Eddie Brewer and the founder of Abuko Nature Reserve, has firmly opposed any government initiative to remove the reserve’s protected status and establish a football stadium for the residents of Lamin village.
Dr. Heather Armstrong, daughter of Eddie Brewer and founder of Abuko Nature Reserve, expressed her disappointment in an exclusive interview with TAT regarding the Government’s recent Cabinet decision on September 19th, 2024, to consider de-reserving part of the reserve for the construction of a football stadium for Lamin village.
This announcement comes after the government backtracked on its initial plan following significant pressure from environmentalists and conservationists.
“I am shocked by the news, not only for personal reasons but also because I have been involved with Abuko since its inception and still help the Department of Wildlife with the animals at the orphanage. I cannot believe that in this day and age when the whole world is concerned with climate change and how to stop it, some individuals are trying to deregulate it,” Heather Armstrong told TAT.
She added, “Abuko has taught thousands of Gambians about wildlife, and it will affect not only Gambia but the world if this extraordinary place goes. If it is deregulated, I believe there will be dire consequences for those who allow it to happen. This affects the world, not just the Gambia.”
The renowned conservationist observed that much of Africa is posed with drought. The need for everyone’s hands on deck becomes necessary to avert the growing calamity, arguing that the Government will be held accountable for any destruction meted out to the Abuko Nature Reserve as it will cause unsurmountable damage to both the nation’s conserved flora and fauna.
According to her, the Government should do everything in its power to maintain the nature reserve through adequate investment and funding, noting that the Abuko Nature Reserve was so dear to his father (Eddie Brewer), who wished to be buried at the site whenever he died.
“I strongly advise the Government to keep Abuko in perpetuity and to provide more funds for it to be managed and maintained properly. This nature reserve was very dear to my father, so much so that he wanted to be buried there even though he unfortunately died in the UK. His ashes are there, and his heart will always be there, as well as our entire family,” Heather Armstrong disclosed.
She added, “This is why we still help Abuko and its animals. It was only last week that we rebuilt the shelters for the hyenas, and we have plans to do more. Our vets also treat the animals if they are sick. It’s common knowledge that the Brewer family dearly loves the place and cannot accept anything that will destroy the Abuko Nature Reserve.”
Dr. Demba Baldeh, a prominent environmental activist, has also criticized any efforts to de-reserve the Abuko Nature Reserve. He emphasized that the Government has alternative locations to construct a football stadium that does not compromise the reserve’s integrity.
“I don’t know if this is a rumor, but any attempt to degazette a single portion of that ecosystem would be the biggest mess the Government has ever caused to our flora and fauna. I am sick and tired of hearing these destructions to our environment by those entrusted to protect it,” Dr Demba Baldeh told TAT.
He added: “The government has many places to construct whatever development it may desire, but our small forest reserve should be out of the equation if we are serious about combating climate change to improve lives and livelihoods.”
