Wildlife exporter Trevor Singh was yesterday ordered to pay a fine of $75,000 or serve one month in prison by Magistrate Allan Wilson after he pleaded guilty to exporting 35 birds comprising three different protected species under the Environmental Protection Act.
The court heard that on April 7 at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport, Timehri, Singh exported 35 birds from three different protected species without the relevant authorization.
His attorney Vic Puran said that his client’s explanation does not provide a defence and he accepts his guilt and therefore puts himself at the mercy of the court.
Puran said that his client is an overseas-based Guyanese and he had sought advice from someone who was equally not versed in the procedure regarding such ventures.
Singh admitted being ignorant of the EPA regulations and also contended that he has a wife and children depending on him and this is his first known offence.
