The National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA) in partnership with the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, Veterinary Services Division, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Environment Management Division (Office of the Prime Minister), Jamaica Constabulary Force and the Jamaica Defence Force, is stepping up activities to thwart the illegal trade in Endangered Animal Species.    

NEPA has noted an increasing trend in the illegal importation of animals into the country. There has been a marked increase in the number of monkeys, birds and snakes that have been confiscated at the island’s ports in recent times. Information gleaned is that Jamaica is now a trans-shipment point for the trade in animals from Central and South America.  

NEPA is particularly concerned with activities at informal ports along the island’s South Coast, specifically in the Black River, Whitehouse and Treasure Beach areas.  

Several strategies to deal with the importation and export of endangered animals were outlined at a meeting held yesterday at NEPA’s Head Office in Kingston. Among these are: 

1. Implementation of a Public Awareness Programme, (Lead Agency NEPA).

2. Increased monitoring of the ports and Jamaica’s territorial waters as well as searching of vessels/containers at seaports and wharves.

3. Informing the CITES Secretariat about this illegal operation for a notification, “Illegal Trade Alert” to be sent to all countries in Central America and South America.

4. Inclusion of pet stores as a category in the NRCA’s Permit and Licence System in order to bring them under regulatory control.

5. Publication of information on seizures and confiscations and procedures for handling seized specimens.

6. Undertaking comprehensive veterinary and behavioural screening test of all confiscated animals.

7. Establishment of an inter-agency task force

8. Increased coordinated approach to disrupt and prevent the trade.  

NEPA and its partners are determined to thwart this illegal activity and prosecute all offenders. We encourage all persons with information concerning the illegal importation of animals to contact the Agency or any of its partners immediately. Persons in possession of illegal animals are being urged to turn them in to the Veterinary Services Division.

Jamaica is a signatory to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). Where the importation of animals under the Endangered Species (Protection, Conservation and Regulation of Trade) Act is concerned, the relevant CITES permits or certificates ARE required. An Environmental Permit under the Natural Resources Conservation Authority Act is also required for the first time introduction of species of flora and fauna and genetic material. In addition, an import permit from the Veterinary Services Division is always required under the Animal Disease and Importation Act.