Rats invade Montego Bay

An increase rat infestation in sections of Montego Bay, has forced the public health authority to implement a rodent control programme following several complains by concerned citizens.

The areas in the second city that have seen a high population of these rodents includes: Fisherman’s Complex along the Howard Cooke Boulevard, Market Circle, the National Water Commission, The People’s Arcade, Transport Centre, Railway Gardens, Mt. Salem Health Centre, Mt. Alvernia and along Market Street within the vicinity of Victoria Mutual.

But public relations officer for the Western Regional Health Authority, Clinton Pickering revealed that rat bait stations were set up in these areas as apart of their campaign to curtail these rodents.
“Following on the successful programme implemented in Granville and surrounding communities earlier this year, the focus is now on targeted communities in the urban centre. It’s apart of our continuing efforts to rid certain sections of Montego Bay of rat infestation” Mr. Pickering noted.

He further explained that while the public health authority is there to enforce the laws regarding public health, “citizens need to also take responsibility. I you see that a food establishment operating in a poor sanitary environment, then report it to the public heath authority”.
Meanwhile, chief public health inspector, Hubert Cooke charged that there will be a zero-tolerance to restaurants in the city that contribute to the increased presence of these rodents and disregard for proper public health practices.

Mr. Cooke argued, “our public health inspectors will be on the road inspecting food handling establishments such as supermarkets, restaurants, food shops to check on certification, storage and solid waste management to ensure they are operating within the ambit of the Public Health Law”.

He added that where breaches are found, sanctions dictated by the law would be imposed. “This could mean that establishments are ordered closed with immediate effect, notices served, followed by prosecution or the seizure of condemned foods” public health inspector chief warned.