Rambharat: Relief for fisherfolk

Rowley made it clear this was not compensation and State oil company Petrotrin would be required to investigate the source of the oil spill. Rambharat said through a registration process, the ministry received 412 applications for assistance and is,”- making payments to those persons who have qualified.” He said a second registration process will take place soon and assistance is being provided by fishing associations in La Brea and Otaheite.

On the new hunting season, Rambharat said the cost of a hunting license has been increased from $25 to $100 and, “we intend to increase that cost even further.” He also said the fines for hunting protected species and hunting out of season, will also be significantly increased. Rambharat stressed that a balance needed to be struck between the economic benefits of hunting, preservation of protected species and the environment.

He disclosed that within two weeks, a note on land tenure will be coming to Cabinet for consideration.

Rambharat said there were several cases of questionable acquisition of State lands under the former People’s Partnership (PP) government and this needed to be dealt with, particularly as it related to the country’s farmers.

Rambharat also spoke about steps taken to improve the operations of the Praedial Larceny Squad and improve the exports of teak and pine.