Government Responds: Restaurant Rat Report

October 28, 2010

732520_three_ratsThe Ministry of Health today said that following a complaint received late Friday 22 October, 2010 of rodents in a St. George’s restaurant, a Senior Environmental Health Officer conducted an investigation at the premises on Monday 25th October 2010.

A member of the public had reported that there were flies in a vacant building located in the Towne Square. The Ministry said Vector Control was aware of the root cause, as they had recently worked with the building owner, Paul King, to poison rats. The infestation was confined to one room only where droppings were evident.

The Ministry said that Mr. King, who has the only key to the building, was not sufficiently diligent in collecting the carcasses or present to open the building to Vector Control this week when officers requested entry to investigate and control the flies.

The Ministry of Health said the matter is being diligently pursued. “We wish to take this opportunity to remind and encourage the public to call Vector Control on 278-4976 for assistance, education and advice on all rodent problems, “said Ministry spokesperson. “In many cases, poison is used as the last resort.”

The spokesman said owners of buildings are required to maintain and secure their premises against rat infestations by blocking holes and entry points such as screen doors and windows. It is common for rodents to try and move inside buildings at this time of year as the seasons change, the spokesman added.

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Comments (9)

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  1. Peace and Love says:

    Gross! he should be held accountable and his presence should be readily available when needed!! HEALTH HAZARD!!!

  2. Devin says:

    I am confused about the facts of this article. Was the report of flies made about the same building as the rats or were these two seperate incidents?

    It’s very important becuase there is a massive difference between a rodent infestation problem in an abandoned building and one in an active, open restaurant.

    If it was a vacant building that contained rodents, please title your article appropriately. St. George’s reputation is fragile enough as it is without people thinking (erroneously) the restaurants are full of rats.

    • bernews says:

      Thanks for your comment, however the Ministry of Health said – and I do quote directly – “following a complaint received late Friday 22 October, 2010 of rodents in a St. George’s restaurant

      So the title of “Government Responds: Restaurant Rat Report” is correct, as per the statement from Government. We could have added “St George’s” to the title, which also would have been correct, but choose not to – actually in line with your thought pattern.

      I agree with your overall point however [although I dont think St Georges has a bad reputation, just that business is slow] and you will note we have showed great support to the effort/group to “Revitalize St George’s”, and carry all their announcements [free of charge]…and will continue to do so, as we support what they are doing.

      Patricia

    • Peace and Love says:

      @ Devine..both rats and flies….tourist complained about the vast amount of flies..

  3. Andrew says:

    As a regular visitor to the island, this does not surprise me! For a diner, there is little to draw you to St Georges – unless all you want is food that is deep fried to within an inch of its life, in a bar that stank and had bar flies all over it

    Stop complaining the area is quiet and do something fundamentally different to attract people!

    • Anonymous says:

      I have to totally disagree with you and it is because of people like you that things in St. George’s are as quiet as they are!! Even though there are only a few restaraunts in St. Geo the ones that I have frequened offer a good range of food and they area itself is totally clean.

      • Andrew says:

        Because of people like me? So it is actually the fault of regular visitors who think the quality of establishments in St Geo’s is so poor after having eaten there that they prefer not to make the journey? As opposed to it being the fault of the establishments themselves?

        I spent 3 months at BBSR many years ago and we often preferred to make the journey into Hamilton for a night out and a bite to eat rather than the short hop to St Geos, and it HAS NOT got any better.

        Stop blaming people who are able to vote with their feet

  4. Jays says:

    So it’s a vacant resteraunt? No wonder business is slow..

  5. Legacy says:

    Wow Now I See Why They Put Up All Those Speed Bumps 2 Slow Down The Rats……Lmao