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:

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

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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The Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries advises the public that the 2025-2026 Hunting Season will officially close on Sunday March 1, 2026. This closure is part of ongoing efforts to protect the nation’s wildlife, maintain ecological balance, and ensure the long-term sustainability of Trinidad and Tobago’s natural resources.

All hunters and members of the public are reminded that strict adherence to the following regulations governing the closed season is required.

End of Hunting Period: 

All hunting activity on public and private lands must cease by Saturday February 28, 2026.

Deadline for Game Disposal: 

By Tuesday March 31, 2026, all game animal carcasses or parts must be removed from properties and personal possession.

Mandatory Data Returns: 

Holders of 2025-2026 Hunting Permits must submit their Mandatory Data Return Forms by Sunday May 31, 2026.

Penalties for Non-Compliance: 

Failure to submit the Mandatory Data Return Form by Sunday May 31, 2026, will result in a fine of TT$2,500 per form.

Hunting during the closed season is illegal and punishable by a fine of TT$100,000, as per Legal Notice 275 of 2020.

Hunters must submit their Mandatory Data Return Forms at any of the following locations:

• District Revenue Office, Tunapuna – (868) 662-2797
• Forestry Office, Rio Claro – (868) 225-3743
• District Revenue Office, Chaguanas – (868) 671-4773
• Forestry Division, Long Circular Road, St. James – (868) 225-3861
• Forestry Division, Balisier Avenue, Pleasantville, San Fernando – (868) 225-3777 / 3774 / 3772
• Forestry Division, Sangre Grande – (868) 225-3728
• Department of Natural Resources & Forestry, Milshirv Administrative Complex, Tobago – (868) 639-2273

The Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries urges all citizens to adhere to these regulations to support the conservation of wildlife and protect the delicate ecological balance of Trinidad and Tobago. Compliance is essential to ensuring that future generations continue to benefit from our country’s rich biodiversity.

 

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Senator the Honourable Ravi Ratiram, Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries reaffirmed the Government’s unwavering commitment to the nation’s rice‑farming community during a high‑level meeting with growers from the Central Region at the Ministry’s Head Office today, February 27, 2026.

Farmers voiced concern after being informed by the Chief Executive Officer of the National Flour Mills (NFM) that incentive payments would cease. The Minister acted immediately, engaging directly with Senator the Honourable Satyakama Maharaj, Minister of Trade, Investment and Tourism, Dr. Colin Neil Gosine M.P., Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Trade, Investment and Tourism and the Chairman of the NFM. Following constructive dialogue, the subsidy was reinstated and will continue to be honoured.

The availability of water was also highlighted as an issue. The Minister committed to convene a meeting with the Water and Sewerage Authority (WASA) to assess and upgrade irrigation infrastructure, guaranteeing reliable water delivery throughout the growing season.

Minister Ratiram lauded the resilience and expertise of the attending farmers. He affirmed that the Ministry will continue to consult directly with farmers to identify challenges and co‑create solutions.

 

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Senator the Honourable Ravi Ratiram, Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries formally presented Letters of Appointment to the newly appointed members of the Veterinary Surgeons Registration Board today at the Ministry’s Head Office. The appointments signal a renewed commitment to safeguarding animal health, public safety, and the integrity of the veterinary profession across the nation.

The Board Members include:

• Dr. Lisa Musai – Chairman
• Dr. Anil Ramnanan – Member
• Dr. Kriyaan Singh – Member

The Veterinary Surgeons Registration Board plays a critical role in upholding professional standards, ensuring regulatory compliance, and promoting excellence within the veterinary profession. The Board is responsible for overseeing the registration and conduct of veterinary practitioners, safeguarding animal health, and supporting the agricultural sector.

Minister Ratiram extended his congratulations to the newly appointed members and expressed confidence in their ability to effectively execute their mandate.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries remains committed to supporting strong regulatory frameworks that promote animal welfare, food safety, and sustainable agricultural growth.

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The Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries acknowledges a recent incident involving an ocelot, an Environmentally Sensitive Species (ESS) protected under the Environmental Management Act, found shot and wounded in the Cedros‑Granville forest on Sunday February 22, 2026. The animal was recovered by wildlife officials, transferred to veterinary care, and is presently receiving treatment. Recovery is expected to take several weeks.

The ocelot (Leopardus pardalis) is legally recognised as an ESS, a status that accords it full protection from hunting, harm, or disturbance. As an apex predator, the species plays a crucial role in maintaining the ecological balance of Trinidad and Tobago’s forests by regulating prey populations. Any act that jeopardises the life or well‑being of an ESS not only undermines national conservation objectives but also contravenes the Environmental Management Act, which prescribes a fine of TT $100,000 and up to two years’ imprisonment for violations.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries unequivocally condemns any behaviour that results in harm to protected wildlife. It is collaborating with the Forestry Division’s Wildlife Section and law‑enforcement partners to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting and to pursue all applicable legal avenues.

All citizens, particularly those engaged in hunting activities, are reminded that the intentional or reckless harming of an ESS is prohibited and punishable under the law. The Ministry urges the public to:

1. Familiarise themselves with the list of protected species and the regulations governing their interaction.
2. Exercise utmost caution when operating in forested areas, ensuring that any wildlife encountered is left undisturbed.
3. Report any observed or suspected violations promptly to the Ministry’s Wildlife Section or the nearest police station.

Through collective responsibility and strict adherence to wildlife protection statutes, Trinidad and Tobago can safeguard its unique natural heritage for future generations. The Ministry remains committed to the preservation of all Environmentally Sensitive Species and will continue to monitor the ocelot’s recovery while pursuing accountability for this unlawful act.

END

Couva, Trinidad – Senator the Honourable Ravi Ratiram, Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, hosted a Children’s Christmas Party on Sunday 21^st December, 2025, for the children of staff of the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries at the National Cycling Velodrome, Couva.

The event brought together approximately 800 children for an afternoon of festive activities, entertainment and celebration, reflecting the Minister’s continued commitment to staff welfare and family engagement during the Christmas season.

Addressing attendees, Minister Ratiram highlighted the importance of creating meaningful spaces for children and recognising the vital role played by families in supporting public officers. He remarked “Christmas reminds us of what truly matters. Family, love, kindness, gratitude and hope. When we invest in our children and create spaces where they feel valued and cherished, we are planting seeds for a stronger future for Trinidad and Tobago.”

He also expressed his appreciation for the dedication and professionalism of staff of the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, noting that their work in support of national food security, sustainability and resilience is strengthened by the values they demonstrate both in the workplace and at home.

The Christmas Party featured games, music, treats and surprises, creating a joyful atmosphere for children and their families and reinforcing the spirit of unity, generosity and goodwill that defines the Christmas season.

Minister Ratiram extended his best wishes to all staff, their children and families for a safe, joyful and peaceful Christmas season and a prosperous New Year.

 

 

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Centeno, Trinidad – The Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries (MAF), led by Senator the Honourable Ravi Ratiram, continues to prioritise the revitalisation of Trinidad and Tobago’s coconut industry through targeted investments and strategic partnerships.

Earlier today (Monday 1^st December, 2025), the Ministry distributed Brazilian Green Dwarf Coconut seedlings to over 200 farmers from communities across Trinidad and Tobago during a ceremony held at the Central Experiment Station, Caroni North Bank Road, Centeno. This initiative follows the successful germination of the seedlings, which were handed over to the Ministry’s Research Division by the Caribbean Agricultural Research and Development Institute (CARDI) in June 2025.

The distribution forms part of a European Union funded coconut development project implemented by CARDI and the International Trade Centre (ITC) in collaboration with Ministries of Agriculture across participating Member States, including the MAF in Trinidad and Tobago.

The introduction of this new genetic material is expected to enhance water production, increase productivity and strengthen the resilience of the local coconut industry.

In addressing the ceremony, Minister Ratiram underscored the significance of the initiative for farmers, the coconut industry and the nation as a whole, stating “The act of distributing coconut seedlings is not a symbolic gesture but a purposeful intervention that forms part of a larger, coordinated national effort to revitalise the coconut industry from the ground up.”

Highlighting the Government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago’s commitment, Minister Ratiram added “This event marks another step in the Ministry’s broader plan to modernise and revitalise the agricultural sector across Trinidad and Tobago.” “Through today’s distribution, we recommit to the belief that agriculture is not simply a job. It is a service to the nation.”

Also in attendance were Ms. Michelle Anne Thomas, Permanent Secretary (Ag.) MAF, Mr. Ansari Hosein, Executive Director, CARDI and other stakeholders and senior officers of the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries remains committed to strengthening the coconut value chain, supporting farmers and advancing national food security goals. Today’s distribution ceremony is a testament to the Ministry’s ongoing efforts to modernise and expand the agricultural sector through innovation, collaboration and evidence-based interventions.

 

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Chaguanas, Trinidad – Citizens are hereby notified that the sale of State Game Licences will commence on 22^nd September, 2025. The hunting season officially opens in Trinidad and Tobago from 1^st October, 2025 to 28^th February, 2026. During the month of March, 2026, the listed Game Species are removed from the schedule and HUNTING is PROHIBITED. All State Game Licences (SGL) cost TT$100.00 per Game Species, with a limit of three (3) licences per hunter.   

In order to ensure that there are no violations of the Conservation of Wild Life Act (COWA), all hunters are asked to familiarise themselves with (COWA) Chapter 67:01 and to please be aware of the following:

1. All State Game Licences (SGL) according to the (COWA) Chapter 67:01, enable hunters/licensees to hunt the game species specified on their respective licence on State Lands and Forest Reserves.
2. All hunting and/or possession of Iguana (Iguana iguana) is prohibited during the months of January, February and March. The fine for which is Ten Thousand Dollars (TT$10,000.00).Hunting of the Lizard Species Iguana ends on December 31st, 2025. Similarly, hunting of lizards is NOT permitted within the municipal boundaries of the city of Port of Spain. (Legal notice No. 280 of 2019) and (Regulations (6) (1) (c) and (7) (1A).
3. Persons have until March 31^st, 2026to dispose of Game Animal carcasses (or any part thereof) from their property and or their possession with the exception of Game animal – Iguanas which must be disposed of on or before (midnight) December 31^st, 2025.
4. Holders of State Game Licences purchased for the 2025-2026 Hunting Season must correctly complete and submit the Mandatory Data Return Forms on or before May 31^st, 2026. (Failure to comply may result in, on summary conviction, a fine of Two Thousand Five Hundred Dollars (TT$2,500.00) per data form).

ALL first-time hunters should present:

• One form of valid government issued identification, namely National Identification Card, Drivers Permit or Passport.
• A recent utility bill (not older than three (3) months). If the bill is in another person’s name, an authorization letter is required.

Permits can be obtained at the following Forestry Division Offices in Trinidad and the Division of Food Security, Natural Resources, the Environment and Sustainable Development sales centres, as directed, in Tobago, Monday to Friday between the hours of 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Except on Public Holidays and Weekends.

STATION	TELEPHONE CONTACT
Forestry Office, Damarie Hill, Sangre Grande	225-3728
Forestry Office, Long Circular Road, St. James	225-3875
Forestry Office, Pleasantville, San Fernando	225-3777 / 3774 / 3778
District Revenue Office, Chaguanas	671-4773
Forestry Office, Rio Claro	644-2241 / 630-4395
District Revenue Office, Tunapuna	662-2797
Scarborough District Revenue Office (Tobago)	639-4412 Ext.5 or 639-2410
Roxborough District Revenue Office (Tobago)	660-4379/660-5052

 

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