Minister Hosein urged PLS Officers, “Be kind and understanding to Farmers”

July 31, 2024:-  Chaguanas, Trinidad and Tobago – Yesterday (Tuesday 30^th July, 2024), the Praedial Larceny Squad (PLS) received a welcomed boost to their mobility capabilities as they increased their fleet capacity by (4) four vehicles. The official handover ceremony held at the Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries’ Head Office, Chaguanas marked a significant achievement in enhancing the squad’s ability to combat agricultural theft and support our farming communities.

 

During his address, Senator the Honourable Kazim Hosein, Minister of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries highlighted, “Today is a very significant day for the Praedial Larceny Squad and the Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries. The increase in our fleet of vehicles represents a major step forward in our efforts to protect our farmers and strengthen our agricultural sector. With these new vehicles, we aim to improve patrol visibility, reduce response times and restore a sense of safety and security among our farming communities.” He added, “there are a lot of illegal animals coming in through our borders and being sold by local butchers and we must be aware of this and as these meats carry diseases and can be harmful once consumed”.

 

Additionally, the Minister commended the continued commitment of the dedicated men and women of the Praedial Larceny Squad who, even in the face of numerous challenges remain committed to protecting and serving the farming communities of our beloved country. He also urged them saying, “Be kind and understanding to the Farmers, they are hardworking men and women who put food on our tables”.

 

Also in attendance were the Honourable Fitzgerald Hinds, Minister of National Security; the Honourable Keith Scotland, S.C., Minister in the Ministry of National Security; Senator the Honourable Avinash Singh, Minister in the Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries; and Mrs. Erla Harewood-Christopher, Commissioner of Police. Their presence underscores the collaborative effort and commitment to enhancing security in our agricultural sector.

The Honourable Fitzgerald Hinds in his remarks expressed the importance of collaboration stating, “The handover of these much-needed vehicles highlights an all-of-government approach that not only secures the agricultural sector but also contributes to the safety and security of the entire country.”

 

The addition of these vehicles has increased the PLS fleet to (9) nine vehicles. This enhancement will significantly boost the squad’s efficiency. With improved mobility, the Praedial Larceny Squad can now respond more swiftly to incidents, conduct more frequent patrols and cover more areas. This increased capability will not only help prevent and address cases of praedial larceny more effectively but also provide farmers and our farming communities with greater reassurance and support.

 

The Honourable Keith Scotland, S.C. also addressed this morning’s ceremony congratulating the Praedial Larceny Squad on their new addition and emphasizing the importance of their role in safeguarding the agricultural sector. He further described the sector as the “lifeblood of our nation.”

 

The Praedial Larceny Squad remains steadfast in its mission to combat agricultural theft, ensuring the safety and security of farmers and the nation’s food supply.

 

 

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