New farming community predicted for Caroni lands

Over the next four months more than 7,000 applicants are expected to occupy lots of agricultural lands. On Friday some 500 workers turned up at the Caroni Section Office in La Paille Village, Caroni, to draw lots in a lottery system of distribution conducted by the company’s audit firm, Ernst and Young.

Jagroo gave the assurance that 7,247 persons would be in possession of 76,608 acres of Caroni land.

Agriculture Minister Jarrette Narine said the produce from the lands would supply regional markets and the income earned would contribute to Trinidad and Tobago’s economic growth.

Minister in the Ministry of Finance, Christine Sahadeo, said the Ministry has given the commitment that in the case of deceased workers, their surviving relations will be considered for the entitlement.

The announcement came as a victory for the All Trinidad Sugar and General Workers Trade Union which had lobbied for land for the survivors of workers who died during the three-year wait.