Major agriculture plans for Chaguaramas

This was disclosed by CDA member Robert Cezair to members of the Local Authorities, Service Commissions and Statutory Authorities joint select committee (JSC) during a public hearing at Tower D of the Port-of-Spain International Waterfront Centre on Wednesday.

Cezair said discussions involve Chaguaramas being used as a location to develop seedlings which could be distributed to farmers throughout the country and this would reduce the need for importation of seedlings. In response to questions from JSC chairman Hugh Rus sell Ian Roach, Cezair confirmed the Tucker Valley Agriculture Enterprise company created under the former Patrick Manning administration is defunct.

Responding to a question from Sport Minister Daryl Smith, Cezair said the golf course is undergoing extensive renovation and he is optimistic golfers would return to Chaguaramas. Cezair said the Authority will look at ways to improve the ability of offshore islets to bring in more visitors and revenue.

He confirmed statements in the Senate on Tuesday by Leader of Government Business Franklin Khan that a manpower audit was being undertaken.

Cezair also indicated a due diligence of the CDA was done in December 2015 and the report is before the Ministry of the Attorney General and Legal Affairs.

He agreed with Roach that transportation into and out of the peninsula remains an issue. Planning Ministry Deputy Permanent Secretary Marie Hinds said the Works and Transport Ministry is looking at options to address this. Roach noted that throughout its history, the CDA did not appear to have a clear identity.

“What is the real value of the CDA,” he asked. In response, Hinds said a Cabinet note was being prepared that could see the Authority shifting focus toward a historical and heritage function.