evidence: There has been much discussion over the years in Dominica about its claim or lack thereof to Birds Island. Former Prime Ministers Patrick John and Roosevelt Douglas had both expressed interest in the Island. Speculation was heightened last year when the CARICOM heads of government indicated that they may be willing to back up Dominica's claims to the Island. However, to date the government of Dominica has not indicated whether it will pursue any such claim. Birds or Aves Island, as it is called by the Spanish, is a famed bird sanctuary and is said by some to be rich in oil. Most of the people arguing in favor of Dominica staking a claim to the Island have pointed out that at approximately 180 miles west of Dominica, it is well within its territorial boundaries. Birds Island is the most isolated Island in the Caribbean Sea, and is very strategically located. [...] Birds Island has an intriguing history. In 1587 the Island was spotted by Spanish adventurer Avaro Sanzze, who claimed it on behalf of Spain and named it Isla de Aves (Birds Island). At that time however, no formal possession of the Island was made by the Spanish and it was not inhabited.