Minister Ratiram Defends Finance Bill 2026 As A Blueprint for Modernizing Agriculture, Strengthening Biosecurity, and Advancing Animal Welfare

Senator the Honourable Ravi Ratiram, Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, has strongly endorsed the Finance Bill, 2026, describing it as a transformative legislative package designed to modernize outdated laws, strengthen regulatory compliance, protect critical natural resources and establish innovative mechanisms to support animal welfare and sustainable national development.

Contributing to the debate in the Senate on Friday 12^th June 2026, Minister Ratiram underscored that the Bill represents far more than routine legislative amendments. Rather, he said, it reflects the Government’s commitment to building modern, effective and accountable institutions capable of addressing the realities and challenges of a rapidly evolving society.

“The Finance Bill, 2026 demonstrates a Government that is prepared to act, prepared to modernise, prepared to strengthen institutions and prepared to make decisions that will benefit future generations,” Minister Ratiram stated.

In what he described as one of the most innovative aspects of the legislation, Minister Ratiram highlighted the fiscal incentives that will facilitate tax relief to chargeable income or earnings when contributions are made to dedicated Funds established under the exchequer act.

Minister Ratiram outlined these tax benefits are similar to the contributions to animal shelters and he explained the work completed by the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries since this initiative was announced by the Minister of Finance.

Individuals or businesses making contributions to registered animal shelters and approved animal welfare programmes will now enjoy tax-deductible benefits for qualifying donations made.

According to Minister Ratiram, the initiative represents a landmark step in strengthening partnerships among Government, civil society, animal welfare organizations and the private sector while creating sustainable support mechanisms for shelters and vulnerable animals across Trinidad and Tobago.

Addressing amendments to the Copra Products Control Act, Minister Ratiram clarified that law-abiding operators will not face any additional financial burden, as licensing and renewal fees remain unchanged at twenty five dollars. The revised provisions instead target individuals who choose to operate outside established legal and regulatory frameworks.

The Minister also highlighted significant amendments to the Forests Act and Sawmills Act, describing them as critical interventions aimed at protecting Trinidad and Tobago’s forests, watersheds and biodiversity. He stressed that illegal logging and unauthorized forestry operations undermine sustainable development, threaten environmental resilience and place legitimate operators at a competitive disadvantage.

“Forests are critical national infrastructure,” the Minister noted, adding that stronger enforcement mechanisms are necessary to safeguard natural resources, strengthen environmental stewardship and ensure the sustainable management of the country’s forestry assets.

The Minister further emphasized the importance of amendments to the Animal (Diseases, Importation, Health and Welfare) Act, which seek to strengthen Trinidad and Tobago’s biosecurity architecture and enhance protections against transboundary animal diseases.

The Minister reiterated the Ministry’s commitment to advancing policies that balance economic development with environmental protection and social responsibility, ensuring that future generations inherit a nation equipped to meet emerging challenges and seize new opportunities.

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