St. Lucia has increased penalties for environmental violations in order to make its environmental laws more effective. For example, under an old law, there was a maximum fine of EC$5,000 (US$1860) or one year in jail for persons caught illegally possessing protected wildlife (such as the St. Lucia Parrot, the country’s national bird). Experience in a number of cases showed that these fines were insufficient to deter violations, as the market for illegal products was often quite lucrative.
In drafting the new CITES implementing legislation, St. Lucia sought to provide a stronger deterrent to violations. Under the new CITES Act, the fines have been increased to a maximum of EC$50,000 (US$18,600), imprisonment of up to two years, or both. For species listed under CITES Appendix I — including the St. Lucia Parrot — the fine was increased to a maximum of EC$100,000 (US$37,200) and/or a prison term of up to five years.
For more information, contact Ms. Anita James at biodivproject@slubiodiv.org