Signage Unveiling Ceremony at Matura

13th November 2019. An official launch for the unveiling of new signage took place today at the Matura National Park in Matura. The event an initiative of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO/UN) in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries and the Environmental Management Authority (EMA).

In his remarks at the event, Senator the Honourable Clarence Rambharat, Minister of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries (MALF) said that this initiative was very important for the area and he thanked the FAO for their support, as they worked closely with the Ministry to realize the project.
The signage is intended to build public awareness of local forest and protected areas. These are critical communication components of the project, which is “Improving Forest and Protected Area Management in Trinidad and Tobago” says the FAO. The project is an ongoing initiative which has been implemented by the Organisation on the Government’s behalf over the last four years.

The main sign which was unveiled at today’s event will provide information on the size of the protected area, its assets and share instructive messages on the use of the site to support proper management of the area. It is located at the corner of Toco Road and Salybia-Matura Trace, Salybia Village which is an entryway into the Matura National Park Environmentally Sensitive Area (ESA).
In addition, other signs will be located at the ESA’s boundary and in the surrounding communities from Matura to Matelot.
Officials from the Food and Agriculture also indicated that the project is expected to be expanded to four other protected areas across Trinidad and Tobago in the coming months and will conclude in May 2020.

Media Release – Signage Unveiling Ceremony at Matura- R

MALF Welcomes New Permanent Secretary

The Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries (MALF) is proud to welcome our new Acting Permanent Secretary Ms. Susan Shurland.
Ms. Shurland has been in the Public Service since 2006 and prior to assuming her duties at the MALF she was the Deputy Permanent Secretary (D.P.S.) at the Ministry of Community Development, Culture and the Arts for just under two (2) years.

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Minister Rambharat at World Food Day Event

16^TH October, 2019: In his feature address to students of St. Anthony College in Diego Martin to commemorate World Food Day, Senator the Honourable Clarence Rambharat, Minister of Agriculture, Lands and Fisheries underscored the importance of physical activities (sports), and the sustainability of home-grown food in healthy lifestyle and warned about the dangers of fake foods and food substitutes. He added, the pervasive use of chemicals in food is cause for grave concern as it pertains to a healthy diet and we must be mindful of it.

The Minister also urged persons that they should not only look at the cost and price of food but also, “who is producing it”, when are they producing it, where are they producing it and how reliable are their methods when it comes to food production?”

World Food day is observed every October 16th, and this year’s Theme is: ‘Our Actions Are Our Future: Healthy Diets for a #Zerohunger World’, and today’s activity was aimed at promoting healthy food choices.

The event was hosted by the Rotary Club of Central Port of Spain, in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), and the St Anthony’s Interact Club.

 

Secondary School Student on Cabinet-appointed Committee to develop Animal Welfare Standards

October 15, 2019:- In what is seen as an historic occasion, Secondary School Student, Ms. Shanaz Mohammed was presented with her letter of appointment by Senator the Honourable Clarence Rambharat, Minister of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries at a brief ceremony at the Ministry’s Corporate Headquarters in Chaguanas. Ms Mohammed is presently a student of Lakshmi Girls High School who has a special interest in Animal Welfare. She becomes the youngest member of a Cabinet-appointed Committee responsible for developing the Draft Animal Welfare Standards – a counterpart to the Bill laid in the Parliament dealing with animal health and welfare.

 

The fifteen (15)-member Cabinet-appointed committee is chaired by Dr. Victoria Lashley, Technical Officer in the Ministry of Agriculture, Lands and Fisheries. Other members include, Professor Marlon Knights, Ms. Natasha Hosein-Baksh, Mr. Kern Johnson, Ms. Solange De Souza, Mr. Nirmal Biptah, Dr. Reeza Mohammed, Ms. Monique Kellman, Ms. Nalini Dial, Ms. Jowelle De Souza, Ms. Sita Kuruvilla, Mr. Krishendath Balleram, Ms. Annette Sirju and

Mr. Darrin Carmichael.

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Agriculture Minister proposes changes to empower more agencies to enforce restrictions against illegal occupation of State lands

October 01, 2019:- Senator the Honourable Clarence Rambharat, Minister of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries says he will soon go to Cabinet in order “to propose some changes” to the State land legislation “to allow other entities in the country” – in addition to the Commissioner of State lands – to issue notices and enforce proceedings to have people removed from State lands. He was speaking at a Lease Letter Distribution Ceremony held on Tuesday 1st October, 2019, at the Ministry’s corporate headquarters in Chaguanas. Also present at this event was Senator Avinash Singh, Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries.

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