NEPA mad about killing of turtle

The killing of a turtle in 9 Miles, Bull Bay, St Andrew, on Wednesday has prompted a major investigation by The National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA) and the Jamaica Constabulary Force.

“All efforts are being expended to locate the persons responsible for the killing of the turtle so that criminal charges can be laid in the parish court,” Miguel Nelson, manager for the enforcement branch at NEPA, said.

NEPA said that the killing of the turtle is a breach of the Wildlife Protection Act.

“The turtle is a protected animal. It is therefore a criminal offence to hunt or have any part of the turtle in your possession. Any person found guilty before a parish judge is therefore liable to a fine not exceeding $100,000 or to a term of imprisonment not exceeding 12 months,” the agency said.

“We need to create greater awareness. People need to understand that mental illness is not condemnation to a place of no return,” the minister said.

He was speaking at a postSectoral Debate press briefing at the ministry’s head office in New Kingston on Wednesday.

Tufton said he was “disturbed” by reports emerging over recent months about the number of young Jamaicans committing suicide, noting that this has been linked, in part, to some state of mental disorder.

He encouraged school administrators and teachers, as well as civil-society stakeholders, to pay attention to variations in behavioural patterns that may be exhibited by children and adults and treat with these in a manner that reflects efforts to better understand the situation arising.