Senator: Partnering needed on praedial larceny

Creese expressed shock when he was advised that the Praedial Larceny Squad only has 130 officers. He then recalled the ruling People’s National Movement’s (PNM) plans to establish constabularies of 100 officers under each of the 14 local government corporations in Trinidad.

As he noted the plans outlined by the ministry, Caroni Green and Namdevco to boost domestic agricultural production, Creese opined that all of those plans would come to nothing if praedial larceny is not dealt with. “There will be nothing (no food) to pack (for export) if it is all stolen,” he stated.

Acting Namdevco CEO Ayoub Mohammed agreed that praedial larceny is a longstanding problem. He suggested the use of technology such as cameras or drones to bolster security in the agricultural sector.

Mohammed noted a case of a farmer in South Trinidad who took that kind of initiative.

Agriculture Ministry Permanent Secretary Angela Siew described praedial larceny as “a bugbear.” She indicated that provisions are made for security in several of the incentives which the ministry offers to farmers. Siew disclosed that the ministry’s provision for security for farmers, reaches up to a maximum of $30,000.

Namdevco chairman Dennis Ramdeen said the company is looking to improve farmers’ market facilities in Debe, Macoya and Orange Valley. Mayaro MP Rushton Paray expressed dismay that packaging houses built under the former People’s Partnership government in Tabaquite and Couva, were not yet operational. Mohammed replied that efforts are being made to utilises those packing houses through public private partnerships.