Men Plead “Not Guilty” To Taking 154 Conch & Exceeding The Daily Limit At Barkers Marine Replenishment Zone

By Alric Lindsay

Two local men entered pleas of not guilty today, October 13, 2026, to a string of environmental offenses involving the harvesting of marine life within a protected marine replenishment zone.

Jason Smith and Grewan Ebanks appeared together in Summary Court to face charges under the National Conservation Act arising from an incident on March 4, 2026, at the Barkers Marine Replenishment Zone in West Bay. The counts include possession of an unlicensed speargun, illegally taking 154 conch and 9 speared fish, and taking conch exceeding the daily legal limit.

Both Smith and Ebanks entered clean pleas of not guilty to all three infractions.

The Chief Magistrate scheduled the matter for a formal case management hearing on December 10, 2026. A full trial has been slated for February 1, 2027, where the Crown may call environmental enforcement officers to give evidence.