Gareth Davis Sr, Star Writer

A Bahamian assigned to Pihl Construction Company, contractors of segment three of Highway 2000 from Ocho Rios to Port Antonio, was fined $3,000 for defecating close to the main road at Orange Bay, Portland.

He is Angelio Eligato, a heavy duty equipment operator. Eligato was charged by members of the Island Special Constabulary Force (ISCF) for breaches of the Solid Waste Act during an incident on June 23.

According to Inspector Lansdale Pinnock of the ISCF in Port Antonio, the police were on patrol in the Orange Bay area when the Bahamian was seen stooping in nearby bushes. The police went to investigate and the man was allegedly found with his pants pulled down to the knees, and defecating.

"He was charged by the police party," said Inspector Pinnock. "Normally, it would have been a discretionary decision, but the police also learnt that there were portable toilets in the area, which he refused to use."

Eligato, who appeared in court on Thursday, pleaded guilty to the offence. He was ordered to pay $3,000 or spend 10 days at the Port Antonio lock-up. He, however, opted to pay the fine.