CI Regiment, Jamaica Defence Force & Blue Iguana Conservation Collaborate At Colliers Wilderness Reserve

On Wednesday, 15th January 2025, the Blue Iguana Conservation Programme (BIC) was proud to collaborate with the Cayman Islands Regiment and the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) during Event Ex Horizon. This joint initiative at Colliers Wilderness Reserve marked a significant milestone in cross-organizational efforts. The vital support of the JDF’s Air Wing played a crucial role in airlifting BIC team members Peri Smalldon and Joseph Jamieson, along with scientific equipment, into a remote part of Colliers Wilderness Reserve. This operation not only facilitated the transportation of new equipment to collect crucial data for the BIC Programme but also enabled the retrieval of outdated tools from the protected area.This opportunity allowed the CI Regiment to offer practical training for their members, while the Jamaica Defence Force benefited from their Air Wing crew gaining valuable experience flying overseas and engage in conservation work. Collectively, all organizations gained valuable experience while supporting one another in successfully achieving their objectives.

The National Trust for the Cayman Islands currently protects just over 3,500 acres of critical habitat. Colliers Wilderness Reserve is one of the primary habitats where our Blue Iguanas are released into the wild. This protected area is of ecological importance and is over 190 acres. An abundance of local flora and fauna can be found in Colliers Wilderness Reserve as this protected area maintains the biodiversity that lives there. After the helicopter dropped off the troops and BIC team members, they were welcomed by a wild, Blue Iguana that had been released into Colliers Wilderness Reserve approximately 5 years ago. The Blue Iguana stayed with the team as they conducted their work and posed for a few photos.

On the 8th May 2022 (International Blue Iguana Day), the Cayman Islands Regiment adopted “Lissy” as their Blue Iguana who is the first Regiment Mascot for the Cayman Islands. Lissy currently resides at the Blue Iguana Conservation Facility. The National Trust for the Cayman Islands and Blue Iguana Conservation is proud of the continued partnership and collaboration with the Cayman Islands Regiment. We are grateful for their ongoing support in helping us with the Blue Iguana Conservation Programme and maintenance of our Protected Areas.

“We are incredibly grateful for the assistance of both the JDF and the C.I. Regiment. The airlift saved countless hours of hiking through treacherous conditions in the Colliers Reserve where it is difficult and potentially dangerous to transport even the most basic equipment. Both the JDF and C.I. Regiment acted with admirable professionalism and we welcome the continued partnership with both” says Frank Roulstone, Executive Director of the National Trust for the Cayman Islands.