Amended Version

Media Release

Use of the Royal Botanic Gardens and Wildflower Park

The Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries has noted the comments made in a recent social media post on the use of the Wildflower Park which is under the remit of the Horticultural Services Division. The Ministry is in the process of conducting an internal investigation on the alleged claims.

The policy position of the Ministry for persons wishing to use the Wildflower Park and the Royal Botanic Gardens for any passive recreational activities, for example large group gatherings or photo-shoots, is that they must first obtain written permission from the Horticultural Services Division prior to their scheduled date of the event.

The Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries (MALF) continues to encourage persons to adhere to the advertised guidelines, strategically placed at both the Royal Botanic Gardens and Wildflower Park in accordance with the Botanic Gardens Act, Chapter 41:03.

The MALF has always worked closely on a professional level with stakeholders from both the public/private sector and therefore has no sole allegiance to any particular interest group/s.

Both the Wildflower Park and the Royal Botanic Gardens remain accessible to the national community at all times, with persons generally conducting themselves in a responsible manner and complying with the regulations for its use.

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Assalaamu ‘Alaikum (peace be unto you). On behalf of the Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries and as a member of the Muslim community, I wish to extend Ramadan greetings to my brothers and sisters in Islam both at home and across the world.

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise and gratitude are due to Almighty Allah Subhānahu wa Ta’ala (swt), who, through His infinite grace and mercy has blessed us with the opportunity to witness yet another Holy month of Ramadan. Peace and blessings be upon our Noble Prophet Muhammad, the Seal of the Prophets and Chief of the Messengers, and upon all his family and companions.

As we welcome this blessed month of Ramadan, it provides us the opportunity to reap rich rewards from our Creator and Sustainer, Almighty Allah (swt) by fasting during the day and engaging in extra Ibādat (acts of worship) at night. During this month, the Holy Qur’ān was revealed to our Prophet Muhammad Sallallāhu ‘alaihi wa Sallam, as a guide to mankind. It is a time for thanksgiving as the mercy and forgiveness of Allah (swt) descend upon His servants.

Salmaan reports: ‘On the last day of Sha’baan, the Messenger of Allah (swt) addressed us and said: “O People, there comes upon you now a great month, a most blessed month in which lies a night greater in worth than one thousand months. It is a month in which Allah (swt) has made compulsory that the fasting should be observed by day; and He has made the taraweeh (prayer) by night a sunnah (way of life). Whosoever tries drawing nearer to Allah (swt) by performing any virtuous deed in this month, for him shall be such reward as if he had performed a fard (obligatory observance) in any other time of the year. And whoever performs a fard for him shall be the reward of seventy fard in any other time of the year.”

I want to encourage my fellow Muslims to be especially generous during this Holy month. In addition to Zakaah (almsgiving), let us give whatever we can wholeheartedly to help those in dire need in our communities and by extension to those experiencing hardships across the world. Let us also pay our Sadaqatul Fitr (obligatory dues) very early in Ramadan so that it can reach those families that would be unable to enjoy Eid.

As we join with our family and friends in deepen prayer and reflection, I urge my Muslim brothers and sisters to make full use of this blessed month by fasting, participating in communal Iftār – the breaking of the fast, filling the Masjid during the nights of Ramadan, engaging in extra forms of Ibādah (servitude) such as Tarawiih and Nafl Salawāt, reading the Qur’ān and performing Fard Salawāt in congregation.

Though the impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic continue to impact us all, we remain grateful for the opportunity to worship and reflect on the teachings of Islam, reinforcing the importance of the five (5) pillars of Islam; Faith (Shahadah), Prayer (Salah), Fasting (Sawm), Almsgiving (Zakat) and Pilgrimage (Hajj).

During this month of Ramadan, let us be generous and forgiving to our family, friends and our communities at large. Clear our hearts from anger, complaints, suspicion, jealousy, grudges or dislike. Be extra kind, accommodating, courteous, supportive and helpful to all persons that you may encounter. Let us also instil into our children and the younger generations the values and teachings of Islam, especially the importance of charity and showing compassion to others. While we engage in a period of fast, we understand the blessings and sustenance that we receive from the Almighty and it is paramount for all of us, Muslims and non-Muslims to continue working together in ensuring food security.

On behalf of the Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries and myself, I am pleased to extend to the Muslim community, and by extension the national community, a blessed and peaceful Ramadan Mubarak. I pray that Almighty Allah (swt) will shower His choicest blessings upon us and our families, as we welcome this blessed Month. May our Ramadan be a rewarding and successful one. Ameen.

Ramadan Mubarak!

 

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Minister of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries, Senator the Honourable Kazim Hosein says he recognises the importance of creating viable opportunities for young persons to access training and employment in the agriculture sector. His comment came whilst speaking at the Signing Ceremony of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the Implementation of the Mayo Community Agricultural Project (MCAP) earlier today, (Friday 1^st April, 2022) at the Government Campus Plaza in Port of Spain.

The MOU which was signed by representatives of both the Ministry of Youth Development and National Service (MYDNS) and Trinidad Cement Limited (TCL), is a landmark project which proposes to positively engage the youth in the development of the Mayo community, by improving food security, increasing employment and promoting healthy social interactions.

According to Minister Hosein, the input of the Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries as a collaborator in this exercise was mainly to facilitate the delivery of the project’s technical components and also provide the requisite training in sustainable agricultural practices. He further added, “I want to reaffirm our commitment to working together with the Ministry of Youth Development and National Service (MYDNS) and the Trinidad Cement Limited (TCL) as we continue to put people first. The Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries stands ready to provide all the necessary support to the young and upcoming farmers who will be beneficiaries of this significant initiative.”

In lauding the project, the Minister also took the opportunity to commend his Cabinet colleague and Minister of Youth Development and National Service, the Honourable Foster Cummings, for spearheading an exercise which he said, had the capacity to serve as a major impetus for the development of rural communities throughout Trinidad and Tobago.

Also present at the signing ceremony were the: Minister in the Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries (with responsibility for Lands), Senator the Honourable Nigel de Freitas; Permanent Secretary (MYDNS), Mr. Farook Hosein; Deputy Permanent Secretary (MYDNS), Ms. Cheryl-Ann Solomon and; General Manager (TCL), Mr. Guillermo Rojo De Diego.

Minister of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries, Senator the Honourable Kazim Hosein, was treated to a warm reception by the Commissioner of State Lands (Ag.), Ms. Bhanmati Seecharan, as she hosted a tour of the Land Management Division (LMD) of the Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries (MALF) in El Socorro on Friday 1st April, 2022.

Accompanying Minister Hosein during his visit was the Minister in the Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries (with responsibility for Lands), Senator the Honourable Nigel De Freitas; the Permanent Secretary (Ag.), Ms. Susan Shurland; the Technical Co-ordinator (LMD), Ms. Jacqueline Ganteaume-Farrell and; Advisor to the Minister of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries, Ms. Leah Balkaran.

Preceding the tour – which entailed a meet and greet exercise with staff of the Geographic Information Services (GIS), Agricultural Land Administration, Caroni, Corporate / Reclamation, Rent Review, Leases / Consent, Monitoring and Enforcement, Residential, Land Acquisition and Legal Units – was a meeting with MALF’s Executives and LMD’s Management Team. At this meeting, both Ministers Hosein and De Freitas were apprised of the complex operations in the management of State lands. Minister Hosein also used the opportunity to chart the Government’s policy direction, both for the LMD and a sustainable agricultural sector.

“The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) continues to be a significant source of technical assistance in policy and planning, capacity building, knowledge sharing, advocacy and resource mobilization in Trinidad and Tobago.” Such was the commendation of Minister in the Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries, Senator the Honourable Avinash Singh on Monday 28th March, 2022, as he delivered remarks at the 37th Session of the FAO Regional Conference for Latin America and the Caribbean in Ecuador.

The Conference takes place from 28 March – 01 April, 2022 and brings together the governments of the thirty-three (33) Member States of the FAO in Latin America and the Caribbean, to establish the regional priorities to adapt and localise the FAO Strategic Framework 2022-2031. During the Conference, the countries will analyse the work done by the FAO in the previous two (2) years in the region and agree on recommendations for initiatives and priorities that will guide the Organisation’s work during the 2022-2023 period.

In reflecting on the long standing and productive relationship which Trinidad and Tobago has had with the FAO in the promotion of sustainable agricultural systems and contribution towards hunger and poverty alleviation, Minister Singh identified with a number of projects which in his opinion, have had “far-reaching impacts” in helping T&T achieve its national mandate and goals. Among some of these included: the support of the FAO in updating T&T’s “over one hundred (100) year old Fisheries Legislation” which represented some thirty (30) years of dedicated work; the promotion of food safety and meat hygiene in the poultry cottage industry and; the adoption and implementation of the Disaster Risk Management Plan for the Agriculture Sector.

The Minister also lauded the contributions of the Country Representative for Trinidad and Tobago and Suriname, Mr. Reuben Robertson, whom he said, continued to be quite instrumental in lobbying the financial and technological support requisite for the successful execution of their collaborative projects. He said: “Trinidad and Tobago continues to be grateful for the continuous support and technical expertise of the FAO [and] I therefore pledge – on behalf of the Government and people of Trinidad and Tobago and extension the Caribbean – our support and commitment in our efforts to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG’s) and achieving food and nutrition security for all.”

Click here for Minister Singh’s full Address at the Conference.

In his first official field trip as Minister of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries, Senator the Honourable Kazim Hosein along with some members of the Ministry’s Executive Team which comprised of: Senator the Honourable Avinash Singh, Minister in the Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries; Senator the Honourable Nigel De Freitas, Minister in the Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries with responsibility for Lands and; Ms. Susan Shurland, Permanent Secretary (Ag), visited the Barrackpore community earlier today (March 24th), to get a first- hand view of the ongoing efforts by the Ministry in its attempt to manage the outbreak of rabies in the area.

Minister Hosein said that the Agriculture Ministry has been very proactive in its response to the issue since the first case was identified on February, 16th 2022, and he also empathised with those affected farmers who would have lost animals, as a result of the rabies outbreak. He further reiterated the Ministry’s commitment to the exercise and said, it continues to work closely with all stakeholders to effectively manage the situation.

Minister Hosein’s comments came while he was witnessing a vaccination procedure administered by the Anti-Rabies Unit (ARU) at the farm of Mr. Wayne Rambajan at Rochard Douglas Road in Barrackpore. Also in attendance at today’s event were: the Acting Chief Technical Officer (CTO), Mrs. Gloria Brathwaite-Didier; Dr. Victoria Lashley, Chief Veterinary Officer; Acting Director of Regional Administration South (RAS), Mr. Hansley Durbal; Veterinary Officer for the area, Dr. Jevan Sieusankar and; Mr. Robert Griffith, Anti-Rabies Assistant II.

To date, the Ministry has recorded twenty-seven (27) livestock deaths in the community. These include twenty-five (25) cattle and two (2) sheep.

The Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries is currently conducting surveillance exercises in the area to identify sick animals (i.e. animals with signs of paralysis, in-coordination and / or excessive salivation) and those that are being attacked by vampire bats within the surrounding areas. Farmers are therefore strongly encouraged to report any incidence of sick animals to the nearest Animal Health Office or contact the Anti-Rabies Unit (ARU).

History of Rabies in Trinidad

Bat-transmitted rabies is endemic in Trinidad. However, since preventative measures are in place for the control of the bat population and protection of the animal population (i.e. rabies vaccination of livestock), cases in livestock have generally been few and sporadic since the 1930s. Only about 5 outbreaks have occurred over the last 50 years.

On his second official day at the office, Senator the Honourable Nigel De Freitas, Minister in the Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries (with responsibility for Lands), took the opportunity to meet with staff as he toured the facilities of the Ministry’s corporate headquarters in Chaguanas earlier today.

In reacquainting himself with the Ministry’s senior management – many of whom he would have had the opportunity to meet during a handover and prayer invocation ceremony which took place yesterday (22/03/2022) – Minister De Freitas took the opportunity to engage with staff from varying levels as he familiarised himself with the Head Office’s various Departments / Units as well as the localities of same.

Members of staff were extremely heartened by the Minister’s gratuitous gesture in embarking on a series of personalised, one-on-one introductions which was regarded by many to be both down-to-earth and sincere.

Indeed, the experience was as equally humbling for Minister De Freitas who received a very warm reception from all those he came into contact, with many congratulating him on his appointment and wishing him a very productive and rewarding tenure in the Ministry.

In delivering remarks at the media launch of the Youth Agricultural Homestead Programme (YAHP) on Tuesday 1^st March, 2022, Minister of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries, Senator the Honourable Clarence Rambharat said, that he has prepared a Note to Cabinet on “the very important issue” of making agriculture a tax-free enterprise.

The Minister commended the Prime Minister, Dr. the Honourable Keith Rowley, whom he said was the main driver behind the Government’s efforts toward this end. Further, he indicated that the process was three (3) dimensional in that it involved making agriculture free from tax on profits, free from corporation tax (in the case of registered businesses), as well as free from existing duties and value added taxes. Minister Rambharat further stated that a consultant was previously engaged on the exercise and a report has since been submitted. The details of this ‘tax-free’ initiative are to be addressed in due course.

With respect to YAHP, Minister Rambharat emphasised that the initiative was by no means “a vanity project” based primarily on the novelty of acquiring land. Successful beneficiaries, he explained, will need to be able to farm and produce an income from it as well as construct a house and maintain it. The The timing of the programme was timely according to the Minister in that it addresses the need to make housing available to younger families across the country who may have otherwise been discouraged by the prospects available to them under the Housing Development Corporation (HDC) as well as the current cost of housing within the private sector.

The event was hosted by the Ministry of Youth Development and National Service and took place at the Government Campus Plaza in Port of Spain. The Honourable Foster Cummings, Minister of Youth Development and National Service, gave the feature address.

 

About Youth Agricultural Homestead Programme (YAHP)

The initiative is aimed at positioning agriculture as a viable career option for our nation’s youth whilst safeguarding the country’s food and nutrition security. It is a two (2) year programme specifically targeting T&T nationals between the ages of 18 and 35 years. Participants of this programme will benefit from one (1) year of theoretical training and one (1) year of practical agricultural training. At the conclusion of the first year, successful trainees will be provided with access to land and a starter home, as well as the necessary technical and financial support to enable them to become successful 21^st century agribusiness entrepreneurs.

Persons interested in registering for the YAHP, can click on the following link for further details – https://apps.mydns.gov.tt/yahp/public/

Registration for the YAHP ends on March 14, 2022.