January 31, 2017:
The process of lease distribution in respect to State lands has started and we are committed to stay the course. "While it is a few leases, they are far more than any other Minister in recent times has distributed to the public!" These words of affirmation were enunciated by the Minister of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries, Senator the Honourable Clarence Rambharat, on Tuesday 31st January, 2017, as he delivered the Feature Address at a Lease Distribution Ceremony hosted by his Ministry on the grounds of its new head office compound in Chaguanas – the first of many in the Government’s thrust to deal with the issue of land administration.
The Minister, in his disbursement of 36 leases (comprising State grants, agricultural and residential leases) said"while I am not in a position to make a commitment in respect to a number, I have said to the Ministry, Caroni, the Estate Management and Business Development Company Limited and the Commissioner of State Lands, that from here on, I would combine the distribution of State land with the remaining distribution of the Caroni land and commit to doing a Distribution every month until we complete the backlog."
The Minister's comments were based on an earlier commitment that within the first quarter of 2017, he would commence the distribution of agricultural and residential leases for State lands, "some of which would have been outstanding for more than 30 years." A process that he assured those in attendance that he will personally drive. In reiterating his theme and focus for 2017 - taking ownership and responsibility - Minister Rambharat said his Ministry has inherited a culture and history of bureaucratic delays for far too long when in fact, such needed to be replaced with empathy. He advised his team, including the management team, that "you [should] do exactly what the taxpayers pay you to do and be part of the transformation of the lives of farmers.”
The Minister added"what I need is for the public to hold all of us, including me, accountable to this commitment that we have given. My number one commitment this year is to ensure that we continuously distribute State lands and we put a system in which all those persons who are waiting in line will know [of] the likelihood of getting their leases." Other speakers at the event were Councillor Faaiq Mohammed, Deputy Mayor of Chaguanas; Mrs. Dhano Sookoo, President of the Agricultural Society of Trinidad and Tobago; and Mr. Shiraz Khan, President, Sheep and Goat Society and Trinidad and Tobago Unified Farmers.
Attending the event were Senator Avinash Singh, Parliamentary Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries; Mr. Andre Laveau, Deputy Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries; Mr. Claudelle Mc Kellar, Deputy Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries; among representatives of International and Regional Agriculture Organisations; and Chairmen, Directors, Management and Staff of State Agencies.
Event Photos:
Photo Caption: Members of the audience at the distribution of 36 leases (comprising State grants, agricultural and residential leases).
Photo Caption: Minister presents the lease documents to a wheelchair bound recipient. (Photos Courtesy: Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries)
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For further information, please contact:
Head, Communications and Events,
Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries
Tel: (868) 622-1221