(Trinidad Express) After a photo of a capuchin monkey wearing a People’s National Movement (PNM) dress was brought to the attention of Minister of Agriculture, Clarence Rambharat, he referred it to local law enforcement officials.
On Monday morning, Rambharat wrote on his Facebook page that an exercise was carried out to address the possession of illegal goods by Venezuelans. Among the items destroyed were wild animals and several food items.
“Another morning of law enforcement activity involving Venezuelans and illegal wild meat, wild animals, honey, cheese, and other food products being seized and destroyed as part of a joint operation. Thanks to our Game Wardens and Animal Production and Health officers” Rambhata wrote.
But in the comment section of the post, the photo of the monkey being held by a woman in the midst of what appeared to be a political meeting, was posted by a commenter who wrote: ““Dear minister, I pointed out a young lady in a political meeting with an illegal capuchin monkey. Funny enough she was at an event you also attended as well as several cabinet ministers, MPs n police. Has anything been done to bring this monkey in and deliver the same Justice
Under the Conservation of Wildlife Act CHAPTER 67: Ol, possession of a protected animal is punishable by law.
Clause number 5 part two states, “Any person who (a) contravenes subsection (1); or (b) has in his possession the whole or any part of a protected animal, is guilty of an offence and liable to a fine of one thousand dollars or to imprisonment for three months.”
Game Warden, Steve Seepersad told the Express that all monkeys are considered protected animals under the Act and added that ownership of such animals require a license. He however stated that access to these licenses have been limited in the past years.
“The chief game warden since I believe 2009, has stopped granting permits for possession of such animals. So in a case like this, we would try to find the individual and take the necessary action thereafter.” he said.
In response to the commenter, Rambharat said the matter was sent to law enforcement for investigation.
