Case over pigeon droppings in food court at plaza in Portmore to proceed

The Clerk of Courts at the St Catherine Parish Court indicated today that the public health case against the property manager at Sovereign Village in Portmore should proceed, despite steps taken to address the issue.

Dennis Chung was summoned to court by the health department regarding pigeon droppings in the food court of the popular plaza.

Chung is facing charges for breaches of the Public Health Food Regulations.

On Tuesday, the health inspector who summoned Chung testified that he had observed some level of compliance since the property manager was taken to court.

Senior Parish Court Judge Desiree Alleyne stated that the decision to proceed was a matter for the clerk to decide.

Attorney-at-law Alese Minott, who represented Chung, argued that it would be prudent to end the matter, as prolonging it would waste the court's resources.

However, the clerk declared that the breach was of public interest, and as such, the matter should continue.

"Although the defendant has reportedly contained the problem, the offence was already committed. Therefore, the matter must be mentioned again until further notice," the clerk stated.

The case was set for mention on March 21.

The court heard that on August 14, 2024, a representative from the St Catherine Health Department visited the plaza and observed pigeon droppings in the dining area.

It was noted that the birds inhabit the top section of the building.

Chung was reportedly warned to address the issue within seven days, failing which he would be served a notice.

It is alleged that the unsightly occurrence continued, leading to Chung's summons under the Public Health Food Regulations to appear in court.

- Rasbert Turner

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