“Grow your own food; leave the animals and crops of farmers alone.”
The stern warning comes from Agriculture Minister Kazim Hosein to thieves who threaten the livelihood of farmers and fisherfolk.
At the time, Hosein was delivering remarks at the University of the West Indies’ ‘Candlelight Vigil for World Food Day 2022’ on Monday.
He reinforced the importance of farmers, fisherfolk and key stakeholders across the agriculture sector.
Minister Hosein said: “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.”
He added that farmers and fisher folk work tirelessly to make an honest living and it’s unfair that lawless individuals would steal their produce and boats among other items.
The Minister assured that the Ministry is working closely with the Ministry of Public Administration (MPA) to ensure that the Praedial Larceny Squad (PLS) is adequately staffed and equipped to carry out its mandate.
He said special focus is being placed on ensuring the PLS can provide efficient services to farmers and fisherfolk across the country, especially in rural communities.
Additionally, Hosein 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 PLS in farming communities.
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 counties.
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