Business operators in St James prosecuted for public health breaches

Hopeton Bucknor, Gleaner writer 

Western Bureau:
 

For the second time in one week, the St James Health Department has levelled charges against business owners in the parish for alleged breaches of the Public Health Act.
 

The latest accused is businessman Jack Lyn, who owns and operates Lyn’s Wholesale in the Anchovy community. The businessman was charged under the Public Health (Nuisance) Regulations, which could result in a fine of up to $1 million.

 According to reports, on Tuesday morning, officers from the St James Public Health Department, who were conducting an inspection of business places in the community, went to Lyn’s Wholesale, where they detected breaches of the Public Health Act. The business was ordered closed and the owner prosecuted.
 
When contacted for a comment on the action taken against Lyn, Lennox Wallace, the chief public health inspector for St James, told The Gleaner that the action was a part of the department’s mandate to ensure that foods sold are free from contamination and fit for public consumption.

 “We were informed, by residents, of unsanitary conditions at the establishment, so we carried out an operation to determine the veracity of the complaints,” said Wallace.
 
“We detected a number of irregularities, which included spoiled and damaged food, live and dead cockroach seeds and pest infestation, among other breaches,” explained Wallace. “So, we really had no choice but to immediately order the business closed, and have a notice served to the Anchovy Police, asking them to ensure that the establishment remains closed." 

In another operation earlier in the week, the St James Health Department also ordered the Chows Cash and Carry Wholesale in Market Circle, Montego Bay, which is located next door to the Charles Gordon Market, closed after several health breaches were found at the location. The owner, Tjie Chow, was prosecuted and the business ordered closed.

"This is the second such operation carried out in the parish since the start of the week, which has led to the closure of a business place and the prosecution of the owner," explained Wallace. “We are taking the matter of food safety quite seriously, so we will be taking action against business operators who operate contrary to the Public Health Act.

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