Leatherback turtles are endangered species and are on the way to being extinct. It is forbidden for anyone to harm this animal. Photo: www.turtles.org

Doug Wheatley, host of Speak out BVI said even though it is a criminal act for people to interfere with endangered species in the VI they still do it anyway. Photo: VINO/ FILE

A caller on the local radio show Speak Out BVI, in addressing this problem, said the people of the VI should be more careful of what they sell to people and “stop interfering with the turtles and other endangered species.”

This comment was made on the show that aired on June 26, 2012.

The female caller added that majority of the time when a tourist leaves Tortola, they then travel to St. Thomas. She added that some of the "things" purchased from the retailers in Tortola are not allowed in St. Thomas and they are taken away.

The caller expressed that those specific goods, which include endangered species, often cost the tourists a hefty price.

She stated that she understands that everyone needs money to survive, but preserving the integrity and the name of the Virgin Islands should be more important.

“We need to look at how we treat people, because they would go and advise others that the VI is not a good place to go.”

She advised that persons in the Virgin Islands who are guilty of selling endangered species need to stop what they are doing.

Meanwhile, Douglas Wheatley, host of the talk show, while listening to the caller, said he is reminded of a similar incident that occurred sometime back.

In reference to black coral and it being endangered, the host mentioned that there were some persons in the VI who were trading souvenirs made from the specie. He added that they were caught and was penalized with jail being involved.

“It is a criminal act to trade endangered species, but they still do so here,” said the host.

He made reference to the Leatherback Turtles that are also endangered species and advised the people of the VI to leave them alone.