Rat trap

GOVERNMENT IS MOVING to ensure the fullest prosecution of people who help to encourage the harbouring of rats, mosquitoes and other vermin.
Chief Environmental Health Officer Tyrone Applewhaite said yesterday a draft vector control prosecution policy was being discussed, noting that under existing health services nuisances and rodent control regulations, the average maximum fine was $5 000 or six months to one year in prison or both.
“We are also now looking at a prosecution policy which would guide the framework for prosecution concerning rodents, mosquitoes, everything. If you fail to comply with [any of the] regulations, you would be brought to court,” he said yesterday during a break in the City of Bridgetown rodent control programme stakeholders consultation at Solidarity House, Harmony Hall, St Michael.
Applewhaite said regulations did not only deal with large-scale dumping but littering as well, such as casually throwing a plastic cup into a bush. (CA)