The Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries continues to closely monitor the search for the fishing vessel ST VINCENT VII (TT033040, IMO 8781973) and its crew, who have been reported missing off the coast of French Guiana.

The Government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago remains deeply concerned for the safety and well-being of all persons aboard the vessel and continues to mobilise and coordinate resources, both nationally and regionally, in support of ongoing search and rescue efforts.

On Tuesday, July 14, 2026, the Fisheries Division received reports of a video being circulated which appeared to depict a fire aboard the vessel. At the time this information was received, no distress report had been made by the vessel’s operator.

Upon receiving the report, the Ministry immediately engaged the relevant national and regional agencies to facilitate an appropriate response. The Trinidad and Tobago Coast Guard, the relevant authorities in French Guiana and CARICOM IMPACS were contacted, while the Trinidad and Tobago Air Guard was deployed to conduct aerial search operations. Neighbouring countries were also alerted and requested to support the ongoing search efforts.

The Government of Trinidad and Tobago has since been coordinating a multi-agency response involving the Ministry of Defence, the Ministry of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs, and the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, with the objective of locating the vessel and bringing its crew safely home.

The Ministry of Defence continues to lead maritime and aerial search operations through the Trinidad and Tobago Coast Guard and the Trinidad and Tobago Air Guard.

At the same time, the Ministry of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs continues to liaise with counterparts in Suriname, French Guiana and Brazil to strengthen regional coordination and facilitate all possible assistance in the search and rescue operation.

The Government remains resolute in its commitment to working closely with regional and international partners and to utilising every available resource in support of efforts to locate the ST VINCENT VII and its crew.

At this difficult and uncertain time, the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries extends its heartfelt thoughts and prayers to the families, relatives and loved ones of the crew. We recognise the profound anxiety they are experiencing as they await news of their loved ones and assure them that the search remains a matter of priority.

The Ministry will continue to monitor developments closely and will provide further updates as verified information becomes available.

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On Saturday 4th July 2026, Senator the Honourable Ravi Ratiram, Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, the Honourable Clyde Elder, Minister in the Ministry of Public Utilities and Member of Parliament for La Brea and the Honourable Ernesto Kesar, Minister in the Ministry of Energy and Energy Industries and Member of Parliament for Point Fortin,joined members of the fishing community at the Erin Fishing Facility for the 2026 St. Peter’s Day Celebration, hosted by the Erin Fisherfolk Association.

The annual observance, one of the most significant events on the fisheries calendar, brought together fisherfolk, industry stakeholders, community leaders and residents in celebration of the enduring contributions of Trinidad and Tobago’s fishing communities to national food and nutrition security, economic resilience and the country’s rich maritime heritage.

Opening the event, Minister Ratiram paid tribute to the unwavering dedication, resilience and professionalism of the nation’s fisherfolk, acknowledging their indispensable role in sustaining livelihoods, strengthening coastal communities and ensuring a reliable supply of fresh seafood for citizens across the country.

The Minister noted that fishing remains a vital pillar of the agricultural sector and reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to advancing a modern, sustainable and climate-resilient fisheries industry capable of meeting the evolving demands of food production while safeguarding the nation’s marine resources for future generations.

“The men and women of our fishing communities are more than seafood producers, they are stewards of our marine resources, custodians of generations of tradition and essential partners in building a more resilient and food-secure Trinidad and Tobago,” Minister Ratiram stated.

Minister Ratiram also commended the Erin Fisherfolk Association for its continued leadership in preserving the traditions of the fishing community while fostering greater public appreciation for the invaluable role played by fisherfolk in national development.

The St. Peter’s Day celebration served not only as a tribute to the patron saint of fishermen but also as an opportunity to honour the courage, sacrifice and perseverance demonstrated daily by those whose livelihoods depend on the sea.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries extends its sincere appreciation to the Erin Fisherfolk Association for hosting this year’s celebration and applauds the nation’s fisherfolk for their enduring service, dedication and contribution to the social and economic development of Trinidad and Tobago.

 

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Senator the Honourable Ravi Ratiram, Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, today met with a senior delegation from Nestlé at the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries’ Head Office to discuss the company’s future business strategy and opportunities for continued investment in Trinidad and Tobago’s agricultural sector.

The Nestlé delegation comprised Ms. Siti Jones-Gordon, Head of Communications for the Caribbean; Mr. Pedro Ospina, Director of Corporate Affairs for the Central America and Caribbean Region; and Mr. Jorge Hoyos, Chief Financial Officer for the Caribbean.

Minister Ratiram was accompanied by Ms. Michelle Anne Thomas, Permanent Secretary (Ag.); Dr. Michelle Mellows, Chief Technical Officer; Dr. Anil Ramnanan, Technical Advisor to the Minister; and Mr. Ravi Pooran-Maharaj, Advisor to the Minister.

During the meeting, Nestlé informed the Minister that in alignment with the company’s global business strategy, it intends to restructure their local portfolio with particular attention to its operations with dairy and juices.

The Minister received assurance from the Nestlé delegation that its goal is the preservation of jobs and to ensure that the factory’s legacy and operations remain intact throughout the transition.

Discussions also focused on opportunities to expand collaboration between the Ministry and Nestlé in advancing the revitalization of the dairy sector. Particular emphasis was placed on Nestlé’s support of the National Agricultural Training Initiative (NATI), with both parties exploring future partnerships to deliver technical training, capacity-building programmes and knowledge-transfer initiatives designed to strengthen the skills of dairy farmers.

Additionally, Minister Ratiram and the Nestlé delegation agreed to undertake a joint visit to Nestlé’s Model Farm Development Project in Turure, to review existing infrastructure, assess areas for improvement and identify potential opportunities for future collaboration.

Minister Ratiram also reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to working closely with dairy farmers and other key stakeholders to ensure there are no disruptions to the dairy supply chain during the transition.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries remains committed to engaging with stakeholders to support economic development, protect employment, and advance initiatives that strengthen the nation’s agricultural sector.

 

END

On Wednesday 24^th June 2026, Senator the Honourable Ravi Ratiram, Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, met with Dr. Gillian Smith, Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Representative ad interim, at the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries Head Office, as the Ministry continues to strengthen its agricultural resilience, animal health systems and national food security framework.

A key outcome of the engagement was the formal handover of veterinary equipment and supplies under the FAO-funded “Strengthening Animal Health Systems” Project, an initiative designed to enhance the country’s capacity to prevent, detect, and respond to animal diseases while improving the effectiveness of veterinary service delivery.

The donation included diagnostic and laboratory supplies, personal protective equipment (PPE), disinfectants, emergency response kits, laboratory consumables, specimen collection materials, and other critical resources that will support the work of the Ministry’s Animal Production and Health Division.

Minister Ratiram emphasized that strong animal health systems are fundamental to national food security, public health protection, and the sustainability of Trinidad and Tobago’s agricultural sector.

“As we work toward building a modern, resilient and productive agricultural sector, investments in animal health infrastructure remain a priority. Effective veterinary services and robust disease surveillance systems are essential for safeguarding livestock populations, protecting farmers’ livelihoods, maintaining consumer confidence, and strengthening our food security agenda. We are grateful to the FAO for its continued partnership and support in advancing these objectives,” Minister Ratiram stated.

Dr. Smith reaffirmed the FAO’s commitment to supporting Trinidad and Tobago’s efforts to strengthen institutional capacity within the agriculture sector and build resilient food systems capable of responding to evolving global and regional challenges.

“FAO is encouraged by the robust and dynamic programme the Ministry of Agriculture has planned to reinvigorate the agriculture sector in Trinidad and Tobago. Our mandate is to support countries in building more resilient and sustainable agrifood systems, and we reiterate our commitment to helping the ministry achieve its goals of food security, certification, market development, digitization and animal health,” Dr. Smith stated.

The discussions also explored future areas of cooperation, including enhanced technical support, capacity-building initiatives, knowledge exchange programmes, and collaborative projects aimed at advancing agricultural productivity, improving livestock management, strengthening biosecurity frameworks, and supporting national development priorities.

Today’s engagement reflects the Ministry’s ongoing commitment to leveraging strategic international partnerships to modernize the agriculture sector, strengthen institutional capacity, and advance the Ministry’s vision of a more resilient, competitive, and food-secure Trinidad and Tobago.

 

END

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.

END

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.

 

END

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.

 

END

 

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.

END