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Minister Ratiram Praises Prime Minister’s Leadership at Shield of the Americas Summit, Highlights Strengthening U.S.–Trinidad and Tobago Agricultural Partnership

WhatsApp Image 2026-03-09 at 3.43.59 PM


Senator the Honourable Ravi Ratiram, Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, commends the HonourableKamla Persad Bissessar S.C. M.P. Prime Minister of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago for her decisive leadership and diplomatic engagement at the Shield of the Americas Summit held on March 7, 2026 in Doral, Florida. The Minister underscores the Summit’s significance as a catalyst for deepening agricultural cooperation between Trinidad and Tobago and the United States and reiterates the Government’s commitment to expanding foodsecuritydriven trade ties.

“Prime Minister Persad Bissessar’s vision and proactive diplomacy are restoring Trinidad and Tobago as a respected voice on the global stage while creating tangible opportunities for economic growth at home,” said Minister Ratiram. “The Shield of the Americas Summit showcases the strength of our partnership with the United States – the strongest it has been since diplomatic relations were established in 1962.”

Building on recent bilateral dialogues Minister Ratiramhighlights two key engagements that lay a solid foundation for continued bilateral relations with the United States in the agricultural sector:

• November 2025 – Brasilia, Federative Republic of Brazil: A meeting with Ms. Michelle Bekkering, Deputy Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs, USDA. The dialogue focused on expanding agricultural collaboration across the Caribbean, advancing climateresilient farming practices, digital agriculture technologies, pestmonitoring and biosecurity systems, and capacitybuilding programmes for agricultural professionals.
• August 2025 – Ministry Headquarters,Chaguanas: Discussions with U.S. Chargé d’Affaires Dr. Jenifer Neidhart de Ortiz centred on practical solutions to strengthen agriculture, fisheries and food security. Joint initiatives include combating agricultural pests, floodmitigation for farming communities, leveraging U.S. technology and EXIM Bank financing, and modernisingfisheries management through GPSequipped vessels and enhanced maritime domain awareness.

Minister Ratiram also identified the following strategic opportunities for the sector with several highimpact prospects emerging from the bilateral dialogue:

• Export Growth: Targeting up to US $1 billion in agricultural exports, with particular emphasis on Trinidad’s prized Scorpion and Moruga red peppers for pepperspray and marinepaint applications, and the globallyrenowned Trinitario fineflavoured cocoa.
• Youth Engagement: Launching programs to inspire the next generation of farmers and fishers, integrating modern technology and entrepreneurship training.
• Financial & Technical Support: Expanding access to U.S. financing mechanisms, research collaborations, and technical assistance to modernise production, improve biosecurity, and enhance climateadaptation capacity.

The Prime Minister’s leadership at the Shield of the Americas Summit reinforces the commitment to our nation to building strong international alliances that support innovation, sustainability, and economic growth.

Minister Ratiram reaffirms that the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries remains dedicated to fostering international cooperation that strengthens Trinidad and Tobago’s food security, enhances agricultural productivity, and creates new economic opportunities for the nation.

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