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strongly endorsed the Finance Bill, 2026, describing it as a transformative legislative package designed to modernize outdated laws, strengthen regulatory compliance, protect critical natural resources and establish innovative mechanisms to support animal welfare and sustainable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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The Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries hosted a special Mother’s Day Appreciation Event in honour of the dedicated mothers and mother figures serving throughout the organization, recognizing their invaluable contribution to both national development and institutional excellence.

The event, hosted at the Ministry’s Head Office in Chaguanas, brought together members of staff for an afternoon of appreciation, reflection and celebration under the patronage of Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, Senator the Honourable Ravi Ratiram.

Ms. Michelle Anne Thomas, Permanent Secretary (Ag.), addressed the gathering and reflected on the enduring impact of mothers and mother figures within society. “What makes mothers truly extraordinary is not perfection, but presence,” Ms. Thomas stated. “These acts may seem small individually, but together they create the foundation upon which families and communities are built.”

In delivering remarks at the function, Minister Ratiram underscored the indispensable role mothers continue to play in shaping families, communities and the wider society, while commending the women of the Ministry for balancing professional responsibilities with the demands of caregiving and service.

“Women carry extraordinary responsibilities with dignity, compassion and determination,” the Minister stated. “In many respects, mothers are the original cultivators. They cultivate discipline, values, resilience and hope. They nurture futures long before societies see the results.”

The Minister further reflected on the critical role women continue to play throughout Trinidad and Tobago’s agricultural landscape as farmers, agro-processors, researchers, extension officers, administrators and entrepreneurs contributing to the advancement of food security, agricultural sustainability and rural development.

The Ministry’s Mother’s Day Appreciation Event formed part of its ongoing commitment to fostering a supportive, inclusive and people-centered workplace culture that recognizes and values the contributions of its human capital.

The event featured fellowship, entertainment and expressions of appreciation dedicated to celebrating the exceptional women who continue to serve with professionalism, resilience and unwavering commitment across the Ministry.

Entertainment for the afternoon was provided by renowned saxophonist Brandon Christopher, alongside performances by Kerry John and J Rebel.

 

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The Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries today marked a significant milestone in Trinidad and Tobago’s agricultural diversification and food security agenda with the successful harvest of black eye beans cultivated under the Ministry’s Pilot Programme for Black Eye Bean, Corn and Soya Beans Production.

The harvest ceremony brought together Government officials, technical agencies, farmers, agricultural stakeholders and development partners to observe the progress of the initiative, which forms part of the Ministry’s broader strategy to strengthen domestic food production and reduce import dependency.

The pilot project was launched to evaluate the commercial viability, agronomic performance and scalability of strategic grain and legume crops within local production conditions. The initiative also seeks to generate data-driven outcomes to support future investment, farmer participation and national production planning.

Remarks were delivered by Senator the Honourable Ravi Ratiram, Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries; Dr. the Honourable Rishad Seecheran, Minister in the Ministry of Health and Member of Parliament for Caroni East; Ms. Annalean Inniss, Permanent Secretary (Ag.) in the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries; Mr. Keshore Lautchman, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education; Ms Kamla Phagoo, Councillor Kelly Village/Warrenville and Mr. Fayaz Shah, Manager, Science, Technology and Innovation at the Caribbean Agricultural Research and Development Institute (CARDI).

Speaking at the ceremony, Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, Senator the Honourable Ravi Ratiram, described the harvest as a “critical step toward building greater resilience within Trinidad and Tobago’s food production systems.”

“This initiative demonstrates that strategic crop production can play a meaningful role in strengthening national food and nutrition security, reducing external supply vulnerabilities and creating new economic opportunities for farmers and agro-processors,” Minister Ratiram stated.

The Minister further emphasized that black eye beans represent a high-potential commodity due to strong domestic demand, nutritional value and suitability for sustainable crop rotation systems through nitrogen fixation and improved soil health management.

The Minister also noted that the project will continue to undergo technical evaluation to assess production efficiency, market feasibility and opportunities for phased expansion into larger-scale commercial cultivation, while commending pioneering farmers Mr. Richard Singh and Mr. Nawaz Karim for their dedication, commitment and technical expertise in this strategic pilot initiative.

The initiative was executed through collaboration among the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries and key technical and development partners, including the Caribbean Agricultural Research and Development Institute (CARDI), the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA), and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).

The Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries remains committed to advancing sustainable, production-driven agriculture capable of supporting economic diversification, rural development and national food security.

 

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Senator the Honourable Ravi Ratiram, Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, today delivered a powerful contribution in the Senate during debate on the Victims’ Rights Bill, 2026, emphasizing that victims of crime must no longer be treated as invisible participants within the justice system, particularly the nation’s farmers who suffer from the devastating effects of praedial larceny.

In his contribution, the Minister underscored that praedial larceny is not merely the theft of crops and livestock, but a direct assault on livelihoods, food security, rural stability, and human dignity. He highlighted the severe emotional, psychological, and economic trauma experienced by farmers across Trinidad and Tobago, many of whom have repeatedly endured theft, violence, intimidation, and institutional neglect.

The Minister stated that too many farmers have lost confidence in the system after reporting crimes and receiving little to no meaningful follow-up. He noted that as Minister, he has already taken concrete steps to strengthen the operational capacity of the Praedial Larceny Squad, including increasing operational vehicles from one to nine and improving responsiveness to agricultural crimes.

The Minister stressed that these reforms represent a major shift in the administration of justice by moving victims from the margins of the legal process to its very center.

Referencing real incidents involving farmers who suffered violent attacks and repeated thefts, the Minister stated that justice must not only punish offenders, but also recognize trauma, support recovery, and restore dignity to victims.

He concluded by affirming that the legislation delivers on the promise made by the Honourable Kamla Persad Bissessar, Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago before the general election to strengthen protections for farmers and improve the national response to praedial larceny. Promise made promise kept.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries remains committed to protecting farmers, strengthening security, and ensuring that victims of praedial larceny receive the recognition, support and dignity they deserve.

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Today, Senator the Honourable Ravi Ratiram, Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, delivered the feature address at the launch of “Partners in Prosperity: A U.S.–Caribbean Alumni Agriculture Alliance”, hosted at the United States Embassy Port of Spain and implemented by the Citizen Science for Agricultural Prosperity group, underscoring the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries’ commitment to a more modern, resilient, and intelligence-driven agricultural sector.

In his address, Minister Ratiram emphasized that the initiative marks a transition from fragmented and reactive agricultural systems to a more proactive, data-driven, and digitally integrated model. He noted that the sector is currently confronting complex challenges, including climate variability, pest and disease pressures, and inefficiencies in production systems, but that innovation and strategic partnerships present clear opportunities for transformation.

The Minister underscored the importance of the partnership with the United States, acknowledging the continued engagement of the U.S. Embassy in advancing collaborative programmes that deliver tangible development outcomes. He noted that the project, supported through U.S. exchange and funding mechanisms, reflects a successful transition from international knowledge exchange to locally driven implementation.

Central to the initiative is the introduction of a citizen science model, which empowers farmers, youth, and agricultural stakeholders to collect and transmit real-time field data. Minister Ratiram highlighted that this approach addresses a longstanding structural gap within the sector, noting that “too often, valuable field-level intelligence remains localized and disconnected from national systems of decision-making.”

Implemented by the Citizen Science for Agricultural Prosperity (CSAP) group, the pilot will focus on cocoa production, soil health, and pest and disease monitoring. Minister Ratiram described this targeted approach as both strategic and necessary, given cocoa’s export potential and its importance to the country’s agricultural legacy.

Reaffirming the Ministry’s support, Minister Ratiram stated that while the initiative is being implemented as a pilot, its long-term value lies in its scalability and potential for regional replication. He stressed that sustained collaboration among farmers, institutions, and policymakers will be essential to realizing its full impact.

The launch of “Partners in Prosperity” signals a forward-looking approach to agricultural development, grounded in strong international partnerships, stakeholder participation, and the strategic use of data and technology to drive sustainable growth and sector transformation.

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Senator the Honourable Ravi Ratiram, Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, commended The Pet Village Ltd. on the opening of its second location on Saturday 28^th March, 2026, at Icon Plaza, Aranguez, describing the initiative as a positive step toward strengthening animal welfare and responsible pet ownership in Trinidad and Tobago.

The Minister highlighted the significance of the launch of “The Pet Village Experience” as a modern and integrated approach to pet care, combining retail services, veterinary support through the Blue Cross Vet Clinic, and innovative offerings such as the Hearts and Paws Pet Bakery and a dedicated Cat Hotel.

During his remarks at the grand opening, Minister Ratiram stated “Pets are not just animals, they are family. In many ways, pets are people too, and initiatives like this reflect the care, compassion and responsibility that we must continue to promote across our society”.

Minister Ratiram also praised the company’s commitment to community engagement through its Hearts and Paws initiative, which included donations to the Trinidad and Tobago Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (TTSPCA), Tardieu’s Kitten and Puppy Sanctuary, and St. Mary’s Children’s Home.

He emphasised that partnerships between the private sector and community organisations are essential to advancing animal welfare, promoting responsible pet ownership, and building more compassionate communities.

Minister Ratiram reaffirmed that the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries remains committed to supporting initiatives that enhance animal care, strengthen community engagement, and contribute to national development.

 

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The Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries today launched its Pilot Programme for Soyabean, Corn, and Blackeye Beans Production, marked by a ceremonial planting exercise at the Southern Main Road, Caroni.

The initiative represents a strategic intervention to strengthen domestic agricultural production, reduce Trinidad and Tobago’s food import bill, and advance national food and nutrition security. It also signals a deliberate shift toward a more coordinated, production-driven agricultural economy.

The pilot programme targets the cultivation of soyabean, corn, and blackeye beans, priority crops identified for their strong potential in import substitution, agro-processing, and integration into national feeding programmes. The phased pilot-to-scale approach begins with small-scale trials before expanding nationally, ensuring data-driven decision-making, optimized production systems, and reduced investment risk.

In addressing the ceremony, Senator the Honourable Ravi Ratiram, Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, emphasised the importance of transitioning from import dependence to local production, stating, “This initiative is about reclaiming control of our food system, moving from dependency to self-determination, from vulnerability to resilience, and from consumption-driven policy to production-led development.”

Minister Ratiram further noted that the pilot programme forms part of a broader, structured approach to transforming the agricultural sector through targeted and scalable interventions. The initiative also supports feed security for poultry, swine, and dairy production, expands domestic protein supply through blackeye beans, creates economic opportunities for small and medium-scale farmers, and promotes climate-smart and sustainable farming practices, including soil improvement through nitrogen fixation and flexible crop rotation systems.

The programme is being implemented in collaboration with key regional and international partners, including the Caribbean Agricultural Research and Development Institute, the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture, and the Food and Agriculture Organization. These partnerships ensure a technically sound, research-driven, and sustainable approach to execution.

Also in attendance at the launch were Dr. the Honourable Michael Dowlath, MP, Minister of Education; Senator the Honourable Satyakama Maharaj, Minister of Trade, Investment and Tourism; the Honourable Dr. Rishad Seecheren, MP, Minister in the Ministry of Health; Dr. Colin Neil Gosine, MP, Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Trade, Investment and Tourism; and Ms. Diana Francis, Representative of the IICA Delegation in Trinidad and Tobago, signalling strong collaboration among national, regional, and international stakeholders.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries remains committed to advancing sustainable agricultural development through strategic, data-driven initiatives that strengthen food security, reduce import dependence, and support long-term economic resilience.

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March 19, 2026:- The Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries advises the public that the Anti-Rabies Unit (ARU) has resumed night trapping exercises in the South-East and South-West quadrants of Trinidad as part of the national Vampire Bat Population Control Programme. The exercises commenced on March 9, 2026, and will continue throughout Trinidad on an ongoing basis.

The operations will be conducted primarily during the night hours, when vampire bats are most active. These activities form part of the Ministry’s ongoing surveillance and control efforts to reduce the risk of rabies transmission and protect the country’s livestock population.

Rabies is a serious viral and zoonotic disease that affects the central nervous system of mammals, including livestock, wildlife, and humans. In Trinidad, rabies is maintained primarily in the vampire bat population, which can transmit the virus to livestock through bites.

The Ministry encourages the cooperation of residents and farmers to ensure that ARU officers can effectively carry out their rabies vector control activities.

Any abnormal clinical signs or sudden deaths in livestock or evidence of bat attacks should be reported immediately to the Anti-Rabies Unit at 693-1682 or to the nearest County Veterinary Office.

The Ministry notes that the last bat trapping exercise was conducted in 2023, and the current exercise is part of ongoing efforts to ensure early detection, monitoring, and management of potential risks to the nation’s livestock sector. Senator the Honourable Ravi Ratiram, Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries commends the Animal Production and Health Division of the Ministry for the resumption of this critical initiative.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries remains committed to safeguarding the public and animal health and supporting farmers through continued surveillance, prevention, and response initiatives.

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