In delivering remarks, at the University of the West Indies’ ‘Candlelight Vigil for World Food Day 2022,’ the Minister of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries, Senator the Honourable Kazim Hosein reiterated the importance of farmers, fisher folk and key stakeholders across the agriculture sector.
During his remarks, Minister Hosein commended the U.W.I. for their continued efforts and support saying, “we remain grateful for the advice and guidance from key partners like the U.W.I. and F.A.O. as we continue to make steps to reduce our food import bill and increase local production across the value and distribution chains”. He further re-affirmed the Ministry’s commitment to ensuring that no-one is left behind in the global fight against hunger, malnutrition and poverty.
Minister Hosein’s key message during his remarks was directed to the perpetrators who continue to steal from hardworking livestock and crop farmers and fisher folk. He issued a stern warning to all lawbreakers and thieves saying, “Grow Your Own Food; Leave the Animals and Crops of Farmers Alone. The price of animals is very expensive so when a livestock farmer loses an animal, he suffers a grave loss. Similarly, when a farmer loses his crops – the damage is debilitating.” The Minister of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries further emphasized saying that all farmers and fisher folk work tirelessly to make an honest living and it is very unfair that lawless individuals would steal their produce and boats among other items.
At the World Food Day 2022 Candlelight Vigil, last evening, Minister Hosein reassured the public that the Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries (MALF) is working closely with the Ministry of Public Administration (MPA) to ensure that the Praedial Larceny Squad (PLS) is adequately staffed and equipped to provide efficient services to farmers and fisher folks across the country, especially in rural communities. Additionally, he stated that the public should expect strengthened joint patrols with the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS), Trinidad and Tobago Municipal Police Service (TTMPS) and the Praedial Larceny Squad (PLS) in the farming communities.
In concluding, the Agriculture Minister encouraged members of the public to report incidents of theft and suspicious activity to the TTPS, TTMPS and the PLS in their respective county.