Skip to content

Woman concerned by cats' plight during Caribbean resort rebuilds

'With the imminent demolition, the place these beautiful cats call home will leave them homeless with little chance of survival,' local woman and regular St. Lucia visitor worries

A local woman and animal lover is hoping to garner some attention for a St. Lucia animal protection agency.

Rosie Mankiewicz says she recently visited an area of Rodney Bay on the eastern Caribbean Island renowned for its beautiful volcanic beaches, reef-diving, rainforests and luxury resorts.

“The island has many stray cats and dogs that don't get the needed care,” Mankiewicz explains, noting they’re destroying resorts in the area this month with a three-year plan to rebuild and create larger facilities.

"And this is where SLAPS (St. Lucia’s Animal Protection Society) comes in. It saves animals from suffering and gives them the treatment and care they need.”

Mankiewicz says that during her recent visit she recognized some of the cats from previous visits, two of which had had litters and kittens again.

“These cats have kittens that are taken from them at a very early age, often less than a few days old,” she says. “They are not cared for unless visitors decide to feed them, provide water and love. With the imminent demolition, the place these beautiful cats call home will leave them homeless with little chance of survival.

According to Mankiewicz, SLAPS is an amazing society organized by people that truly care about the well-being of animals.

She encourages fellow local animal lovers, to visit their website at and consider donating to help alleviate the animals’ suffering.

Mankiewicz adds: “Or open your heart and your home to a pet  who will appreciate you for the rest of their lives.”

Established in 1998, the St. Lucia Animal Protection Society is a registered non-profit organization established in 1998. It works towards caring for sick, injured and vulnerable animals along with spay/neuter and adoption programs.


Reader Feedback

Andrew Philips

About the Author: Andrew Philips

Editor Andrew Philips is a multiple award-winning journalist whose writing has appeared in some of the country’s most respected news outlets. Originally from Midland, Philips returned to the area from Québec City a decade ago.
Read more