Two men charged for possession of turtle shell and meat in St Ann

October 10, 2011

Two men were arrested and charged by officers of the Island Special Constabulary Force (ISCF) in Roaring River, St Ann on Friday (October 7) for possession of the shell and meat of a Hawksbill Turtle.

The men have been charged under Section 8 of the Wild Life Protection Act (WLPA), 1945 and are scheduled to appear in the St Ann’s Bay Resident Magistrates Court on November 3, 2011.

Sea turtles are protected under the WLPA and the Endangered Species (Protection Conservation and Regulation of Trade) Act, 2000. IT IS AN OFFENCE TO HAVE SEA TURTLES IN ONE’S POSSESSION, WHETHER WHOLE OR PART, DEAD OR ALIVE. This includes the adult or hatchlings, their shells, flesh and eggs and all other turtle derived products (e.g. turtle shell craft items or jewellery). Anyone found in possession of turtles or any of these items can be fined up to JA$100,000 and/or imprisoned for up to 12 months.

The National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA) has been working closely with the police to address breaches of the WLPA and other environmental laws. Offences may be reported to NEPA weekdays, (8:30a.m. - 4:30p.m.) at toll-free, 1-888-991-5005, 754-7540 or to the nearest police station.