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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Port of Spain, Trinidad – The Regional Consultation Meeting of CABI Member Countries in the Americas and the Caribbean, hosted collaboratively by the Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries and the Centre for Agriculture and Biosciences International (CABI), officially commenced yesterday (Tuesday 16^th September, 2025) with an Opening Ceremony at the Hilton Trinidad and Conference Centre.

Held under the theme “Working in partnership for a safe and sustainable future” the three-day event brings together representatives of CABI Member Countries, regional and international organisations, senior government officials, researchers and other key stakeholders.

The consultation provides a platform for dialogue on some of the most pressing challenges facing agriculture including pest and disease management, invasive species, food safety, pesticide risk reduction and the promotion of sustainable agricultural practices. It also seeks to strengthen partnerships and identify collaborative solutions that protect livelihoods, safeguard ecosystems and build resilience across the region’s food systems.

In his Welcome Remarks, Senator the Honourable Ravi Ratiram, Minister of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries, reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to advancing safe and sustainable agricultural practices stating, “The Government of Trinidad and Tobago is taking decisive steps to strengthen food safety and sustainable agricultural practices. The Research Division of the Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries will soon introduce Maximum Residue Limit (MRL) testing with newly acquired equipment to carry out pesticide residue testing for a wide range of chemicals. This initiative demonstrates our commitment to ensuring that agricultural produce meets the highest safety standards.”

Additionally, he noted that in collaboration with CABI, the Ministry has adopted the use of Novacrid, a bio-pesticide, for locust control. This sustainable approach exemplifies the kind of innovation and partnership needed to reduce reliance on chemical pesticides while protecting both crops and ecosystems.

Dr. Daniel Elger, CABI’s Chief Executive Officer, also addressed the gathering, commending the collaborative efforts within the region and emphasising the importance of innovative and science based approaches to strengthening food and nutrition security.

The meeting will feature technical sessions, panel discussions and country reports, culminating in a field visit to the Nariva Swamp, Trinidad and Tobago’s largest freshwater wetland and a designated Ramsar Wetland of International Importance.

The outcomes of the consultation are expected to guide regional action and inform CABI’s continued work with its Member Countries in advancing agricultural development and sustainability.

The Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries remains committed to working alongside CABI and other regional and international partners to build a safe, sustainable and resilient agricultural sector. Through collaboration, innovation and capacity building, the Ministry will continue to support farmers, protect consumers and safeguard the environment in pursuit of long term food and nutrition security.

 

 

 

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September 11, 2025: – Chaguanas, Trinidad – The Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries wishes to assure the public that there has been no recent increase in cases of bat biting or rabies among animals in Trinidad and Tobago.

Incidents of bat biting have historically affected livestock in rural farming communities where nocturnal activity by hematophagous bats, commonly known as vampire bats, may occur. In Trinidad, vampire bats are the vector for rabies. There has been no increase in reports of suspected rabies cases within the animal population and all suspected cases are promptly investigated and addressed.

Veterinary officers from the Ministry’s Animal Production and Health Division and the Anti-Rabies Unit continuously monitor the national rabies disease status and respond quickly to reports of bat biting from farmers and other animal owners. When cases are reported, affected persons are provided with Post Exposure Prophylaxis, a treatment to prevent rabies, in collaboration with the Veterinary Public Health Department of the Ministry of Health. Investigations are conducted in surrounding premises to determine whether bat biting is occurring in other locations.

The Anti-Rabies Unit provides guidance on bat-proofing residences and measures to prevent bat biting. Bats are trapped and safely removed and further control measures are carried out at nearby roosts to manage the vampire bat population. All animals which have been bitten or are at risk, including other pets in the household or herd members of livestock, are vaccinated against rabies. Ring vaccination activities are also conducted for all at-risk animals within at least a 10 kilometre radius of any premises with suspected cases of rabies.

The public is urged to remain vigilant and report any unusual behaviour in animals, evidence of bat bites, or suspected rabies cases immediately to the nearest County Veterinary Office. Early detection and intervention are critical in preventing the spread of disease and safeguarding both animal and public health.

County Veterinary Offices Contact Information:

• St. George East (Wallerfield): 220-6253 ext. 5078
• St. George West: 662-5986
• Caroni: 671-1861
• St Patrick: 647-8871
• Victoria Nariva Mayaro: 655-8410 or 655-3428
• St. Andrews: 668-2712
• National Animal Disease Control Centre (NADC): 693-1682

The Ministry remains committed to ensuring the health and safety of the nation’s livestock and population and urges full cooperation from the public as prevention and control efforts continue.

 

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August 14, 2025:- Chaguanas, Trinidad – The Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries wishes to provide an update on the recent Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS) outbreak. The humane depopulation of all pigs at the affected farm has been successfully completed, with disposal carried out at a secure location in line with strict biosecurity protocols.

This exercise was undertaken in close collaboration with relevant authorities to contain the outbreak and protect both animal health and the local pork industry.

“The swift and coordinated response to this outbreak demonstrates the commitment of all our partners to protecting the health of our livestock and the viability of our local pork industry,” said Dr. Lisa Musai, Chief Veterinary Officer (Ag.). “Through careful planning and strict adherence to biosecurity measures, the affected farm has now been fully depopulated. The Ministry also wants to assure the public that local pork remains safe for consumption.”

Senator the Honourable Ravi Ratiram, Minister of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries also extended his sincere appreciation to all agencies, stakeholders and especially the affected farmer, for their professionalism and dedication during this process. “The Ministry remains committed to ensuring the health and safety of our livestock and to supporting our farmers in maintaining a resilient and productive industry.”

To date, the outbreak has been confirmed on a single farm in North Trinidad. Decontamination procedures are underway and are being conducted by Sanitec Ltd. Surveillance and testing activities remain ongoing. Farmers are urged to remain vigilant and to immediately report any signs of illness to the PRRS Hotline at 280-7945.

The Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries reiterates its commitment to protecting animal health, supporting farmers and safeguarding the local agricultural sector.

-END-

August 13, 2025:- Chaguanas, Trinidad: Yesterday (August 12, 2025), the Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries, in collaboration with Caroni (1975) Limited, hosted a Caroni Lease Distribution Ceremony at the Sundar Popo (Sundarlal Popo Bahora) Theatre, Southern Academy for the Performing Arts (SAPA), San Fernando, where 193 recipients from the Picton I Site under the Caroni (1975) Limited Voluntary Separation of Employment Programme (VSEP) received their long-awaited leases.

This landmark event marks significant progress in delivering on the Government’s pledge to finalise outstanding land entitlements under the VSEP, ensuring qualified beneficiaries, many of them former Caroni employees and cane farmers, can now secure their tenure and contribute to the nation’s agricultural and economic growth. It also reflects the State’s commitment to honour severance and pension obligations while facilitating the productive use of these lands.

In delivering the feature address, The Honourable Kamla Persad-Bissessar SC, Prime Minister of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, said: “Today, we do more than remember; we repair and rebuild. We will put land where promises are…security where there was suspense…opportunity where there was delay. This is not the end of a fight; it is the continuation of a commitment I made in Parliament in 2005 to stand with Caroni’s people until every rightful claim is honoured and every family stands on firm ground.”

Also speaking at the event, Senator the Honourable Ravi Ratiram, Minister of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries, described the distribution as a strategic step towards securing livelihoods and boosting agricultural productivity, stating: “Our Government stands firmly on its conviction that agriculture is the backbone of the economy… Today’s distribution is a tangible demonstration of our commitment to placing these lands in the hands of those who will care for them, work them and use them to build stronger communities.”

The Honourable Saddam Hosein, Minister of Legal Affairs and Minister in the Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries, whose tireless efforts were instrumental in the success of the distribution, echoed these sentiments, stating, “Today, this caring government acknowledges your contribution towards Trinidad and Tobago, and this administration, led by Kamla Persad-Bessessar, has placed this as a priority project under our manifesto.” His remarks reinforced the resolve to bring closure to VSEP beneficiaries and ensure the promise of land ownership translates into opportunities for families, communities, and the national economy.

The ceremony underscored the power of collaboration between Government agencies, communities, and stakeholders in advancing equitable access to land. The Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries remains committed to securing land tenure as a catalyst for rural revitalisation, national food security, and a more resilient Trinidad and Tobago.

 

– END –