KINGSTON, Jamaica — The National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA) is condemning the illegal capture and sale of protected parrots following the arrest and charge of an individual in Mammee Bay, St Ann.

On the 24th of December 2025, NEPA’s Enforcement Branch in collaboration with members of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) carried out a joint enforcement operation in Mammee Bay, St Ann which resulted in the seizure of two Yellow-billed Parrots (Amazona collaria), a species protected under Jamaica’s Wild Life Protection Act. The operation also led to the arrest of an individual for the possession of and illegal sale of the birds. The parrots were recovered alive and transferred to Hope Zoo in Kingston for safekeeping.

Charges arising from this incident are being pursued under Section 6 of the Wild Life Protection Act, which prohibits the hunting and possession of a protected animal or bird without the necessary permits. The matter is expected to be heard in court on March 5.

Jamaica’s native parrots play a vital role in maintaining healthy ecosystems and are afforded protection due to increasing threats from habitat loss and illegal trade. The unlawful trafficking and sale of wildlife continue to pose a serious risk to Jamaica’s biodiversity and undermine national conservation efforts aimed at preserving the island’s native species.

Commenting on the incident, Rochelle Afflick, enforcement co-ordinator at NEPA, emphasised the agency’s position on wildlife protection.

“At NEPA, we have zero tolerance for breaches of the Wild Life Protection Act. It is our duty to ensure these species are protected for current and future generations,” she said.

She is also reminding the public that protected wildlife must remain in their natural environment and asserted, “wild animals are not commodities and should never be captured, kept, or sold”.

NEPA is therefore urging members of the public to report suspected wildlife crimes to the agency or the nearest police station. In addition, the agency warns that under the Wild Life Protection Act, where individuals are found guilty of offences against protected species, they can face a maximum fine of three million dollars or up to three-years’ imprisonment.