ST. JOHN’S, Antigua, April 24 2015 – Legislators last night completed all the readings and amendments to the Environmental Protection Bill.
In 90 days the law goes into effect upgrading the Environment Division into a department with powers of enforcement.
Harsh penalties are outlined in the Bill which primarily seeks to address the killing of protected species such as the endemic Racer snake and sea turtles, and the destruction of mangroves, destruction or pollution of watercourses and wetlands.
Offenders will attract penalties for not reporting accidental damage or injury of an endangered species.
Residents of and visitors to Antigua & Barbuda are being warned that if they are found in contravention of the law, less serious offences can incur a fine or not less than $2,000. The most severe offence can attract a fine of no less than $15,000 and imprisonment for five years.
Antigua and Barbuda has become the first country in the OECS to have in place such a comprehensive Bill.
