Growing up in the serene environment of Concord, Dominica, Garry Auguiste’s childhood was steeped in nature. Days spent farming, cutting lumber, and exploring the wilderness cultivated a deep appreciation for the natural world. Early exposure to science books and countless hours watching Animal Planet ignited his curiosity for science and the environment, planting seeds of a lifelong passion.
Encouraged by his love for science, Garry pursued an associate degree in biology, initially dreaming of becoming a doctor. However, as his understanding of biology deepened, his passion for environmental conservation emerged. This shift wasn’t just a career decision but a purpose-driven pivot that would shape his future.
Garry’s academic journey was groundbreaking for his family. As the first to pursue a master’s degree, his accomplishment sparked pride and curiosity among his peers and relatives. “A lot of people ask me how I got to this position,” he shared, reflecting on the transformative role education played in his life.
But Garry’s purpose extended beyond personal milestones. His drive became clear during a monumental research project: quantifying the population of Dominica’s two endemic parrot species—the critically endangered Sisserou (Imperial Amazon) and the Jaco (Red-necked Amazon)—after the devastation of Hurricane Maria.
For Garry, this research was deeply personal. Hurricane Maria had left Dominica in ruins, and the fate of its iconic parrots—particularly the Sisserou—was uncertain. Historical accounts after Hurricane David in 1979 painted a grim picture, with Sisserou populations dropping to as low as 60. While conservation efforts had since helped the species recover, no proper population assessment had been conducted post-Maria. Garry’s master's thesis, "Quantifying the Population Density and Distribution of Amazona Parrots of the Island of Dominica Post-Hurricane Maria" sought to bridge this gap.
Securing funding as a student proved challenging, but Garry and his team crafted a compelling proposal, offering their expertise in exchange for financial support. “A big part of going into conservation is learning to be a good negotiator, a good ambassador,” he explained. “Yes, you can do the technical work, but you also have to navigate political and personal barriers.”
Once funded, Garry and his team faced the physical and logistical challenges of fieldwork. Their field expert, Mr. Durand, a seasoned parrot specialist, was sidelined by health issues, causing delays. Field days were gruelling, with hikes ranging from 5 to 10.5 hours through overgrown trails left untouched since the hurricane. “After the first day, my legs and arms were beat,” Garry admitted. “But by the second day, you learn how to avoid injuries.”
Despite these obstacles, the team’s persistence paid off. Using GPS systems and meticulous data recording, they uncovered critical insights. Their findings showed that the Sisserou preferred higher altitudes above 700 meters in Dominica’s cloud forests, while the Jaco thrived in healthier, lower-elevation forests and often foraged near farmland post-hurricane.
While his research broke new ground, Garry recognized the importance of public engagement. A self-described introvert, he turned to TikTok, creating skits and educational videos to raise awareness about Dominica’s parrots. One video shared on World Parrot Day caught the attention of researchers he had long admired. “Social media is powerful,” he said. “Someone might remember, ‘Oh, I know someone who knows about parrots in Cuba,’ and that connection could lead to something big.”
His growing network led him to the BirdsCaribbean Conference in the Dominican Republic, where he proudly represented UWI Cave Hill. Delivering a 15-minute presentation on his research before an international audience was a pivotal moment. “It was overwhelming but motivating,” he said. “I realized I could make a meaningful contribution to conservation.”
The conference also opened doors to funding opportunities and innovative ideas, which Garry hopes to implement in Dominica. Beyond research, his commitment to conservation extends to education. Partnering with WildDominique, he co-created a Junior Ranger Booklet for Dominica’s national parks. Designed for children aged 6-14, the booklet features games and puzzles to spark curiosity about the environment. “When I was a child, I wished I had something like this,” he shared. “I hope it inspires a new generation, just like I was inspired.”
Looking ahead, Garry’s aspirations are both ambitious and heartfelt. He envisions a future where local researchers lead in Caribbean conservation, bridging the gap between science, policy, and public awareness. “International researchers often dominate Caribbean studies,” he noted. “We need more local voices.”
Garry hopes to be a vocal advocate for Dominica’s biodiversity while mentoring the next generation of conservationists. Inspired by his supervisor’s work on the insular Caribbean, he aims to document the region’s natural heritage before it’s lost to climate change.
“What I want to do in the next 40, 50 years is to be a major contributor to the science field. I want to do research and be an educator. I want to be the 'David Attenborough' of the Caribbean,” he said. “It’s ambitious, but anything less would be selling myself short.”
Garry Auguiste’s journey exemplifies the power of resilience, passion, and purpose. Whether hiking through rugged trails, presenting at international conferences, or creating resources for children, his dedication to conservation shines. “With climate change, we are losing so many resources daily,” he said. “I want to document what we have now because our grandchildren may never experience it.”
Through his work, Garry is not only safeguarding Dominica’s natural heritage but also inspiring a movement. His story reminds us that one person’s passion can lead to profound change, ensuring a brighter future for the Caribbean and beyond.
Article By: Mhea Bardouille