Caption: Minister of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries Kazim Hosein and Minister MALF’s Technical team during the tour of the southern peninsula
By Prior Beharry
IN an effort to clamp down on the illegal importation of livestock and agricultural products, Minister of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries, Kazim Hosein, issues warning to the citizens – don’t buy them.
He made the comment after a tour of key agricultural areas in the southern peninsula of Trinidad on Tuesday.
Accompanied by Minister in the Ministry of Agriculture Avinash Singh, MP for Point Fortin Kennedy Richards Jr, and Deputy Permanent Secretary Nela Dwarika-Ali. Hosein led a team through Cedros and Icacos for concerns regarding illegal agricultural activities.
“I strongly caution against the purchase of items stemming from illegal imports. These actions not only impact our communities but also have severe health implications.
“We cannot compromise the well-being of our families and loved ones, so I urge everyone to be proactive in safeguarding our environment and public health,” Hosein said.
He highlighted the potential health risks associated with consuming unregulated produce and the threat that this illegal practice poses to local ecosystems and community well-being.
The tour was also aimed at assessing the challenges on the ground and engaging with local stakeholders, including farmers, a release from the Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries stated.
The release stated that De Freitas, a farmer who oversees 90 acres of agricultural production, was among the people the delegation visited.
Also on the tour were the Praedial Larceny Squad officers led by Inspector Haspoodeen who conducted operations in the region. Alongside them were officers from the Forestry Division’s Wildlife Section and Livestock and Livestock Products Board.
Hosein said, “We must protect our local industries and our health. We all must play a part in reporting suspicious activities to the relevant authorities.”
The ministry urged the public to remain vigilant and to support legal and regulated agricultural enterprises, which are vital to the nation’s economy and the health of its citizens.
