Jamaican Yellow Billed Parrot. Image by Wayne SutherlandA 20-year-old man who pleaded guilty in the May Pen Resident Magistrate's Court to possession of a protected Yellow Billed Parrot will be sentenced on May 5.
The man pleaded guilty on February 17 after he was caught selling the parrot in Swansea, Clarendon, on February 11.
The National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA) reported that around 4:36 pm, the accused was caught with the parrot in his possession. He was subsequently arrested by the Four Paths Police and taken to court.
Endangered species like this parrot are protected under the Wild Life Protection Act sections 6, 8 and 12. Members of the public found with birds or any protected species in their possession, or who are guilty of hurting and hunting — killing, capturing or wilfully molesting — may be fined a maximum of $100,000 or sentenced to one year in prison.
NEPA, meanwhile, is asking members of the public to be on the lookout for persons selling, trading, hunting and killing endangered species. Reports should be made to NEPA at 754-7540 or 1-888-991-5005; 119 or the nearest police station.
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