Matelot and Grand Riviere farmers and fisherfolk receive relief cheques

At a function hosted at the St Helena Community Centre, Matelot, Parliamentary Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries Avinash Singh said his ministry is aware of the challenges faced by the farmers and fisherfolk and is committed to serving the people and ensuring good governance.

In a media release, the ministry said this relief was aimed at assisting those who were affected by the damage after bad weather conditions late last year.

Leroy Peters, president of the Grande Riviere Farmers Association said after the disaster in 2016, he considered giving up farming.

However, based on the support received thus far from the ministry, he sees the cheques “not as a hand-out” but rather “it is that the ministry is working with farmers. I am encouraged.” The event also included the distribution of equipment to the farmers associations of Grande Riviere and Matelot, along with the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the ministry and the two associations for the use of these pieces of equipment which included chain saws and pruning saws.

Other speakers included Len Peters, community member; Raynaldo Phillips, Forester II, Forestry Division, Kirk Armour, director – regional administration north; Leroy Peters and Louanna Martin, Fisheries Officer, Fisheries Division.

Also in attendance was Terry Rondon, chairman of the Sangre Grande Regional Corporation.