THE EDITOR, Sir:A HORRIFYING story about a young crocodile captured by fisherman in Trelawny, Jamaica was broadcast by TVJ on Tuesday, May 4, 2004. Horrifying to see the abuse meted out to this poor, defenceless animal. His mouth was tied by rope as were his tail and legs. He looked so frightened.
A small group of human animals gathered around the crocodile. Some started to beat him and shoved him around. Why torture the animal? Why not kill it quickly if there is such a hatred towards it. One fisherman, interviewed, boldly said he would kill all the crocodiles because they affect his livelihood.
All crocodiles want is to eat fish and survive like humans. Unlike humans, however, they cannot use dynamite and totally obliterate the environment for a few fish.
What I found most galling, however, was the National Environmental Protection Agency's (NEPA) unwillingness to prosecute. Caught on TVJ were several members of the community torturing this animal, yet NEPA says they have no evidence. Why should we pay NEPA to exist if they cannot protect our wildlife? Shame on NEPA. Shame on the fisherman.
I am, etc.,
LUCILLE BROWN
10 Duff Street
Kingston 8
