VASANT FIGHTS... tells protesting farmers he's prepared to do what is necessary for them
- Peter S
- Jul 18, 2024
- 3 min read
Updated: Aug 21, 2024
FOOD Production Minister Vasant Bharath yesterday joined protesting farmers whose crops were bulldozed by the State earlier this week in a demonstration at Woodford Square, Port of Spain.
Bharath, addressing the farmers, promised them he would stand by their side in their struggle for land tenure and food security, adding that he wasn't afraid of the repercussions which may follow his stance.
Bharath said, "I have considered the consequences and, as far as I am concerned, this (supporting the farmers) means more to me than the consequences."
The Minister's actions yesterday came hours after he sat with Housing Minister Dr Roodal Moonilal on Thursday and discussed the recent issues regarding he Housing Development Corporation's decision to bulldoze food crops at Pineapple Smith Lands in D'Abadie, and Egypt Trace in Chaguanas, to make way for houses.
Bharath said the farmers' fight was also his fight and he was prepared to do what was necessary seek the interest of the farming community. He said the farmers had legitimate grouses and he will take their plight to Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar as soon as she returns from her trip to Brazil.
Bharath said, "When the Prime Minister comes back on Sunday I will make it my business to speak with her. I will make it my business to make sure I do my best to take your views and the views of Trinidad and Tobago and the majority of right-thinking people of Trinidad and Tobago to the Cabinet and fight on your behalf."
Bharath added that he couldn't turn a blind eye when he stood up for farmers in 2008 when the HDC, under the then People's National Movement (PNM) Government, began to bulldoze food crops at Spring Village in Valsayn. He said there is an urgent need for a policy on housing and agriculture.
"This is exactly what I stood against when I was in Opposition so I know the pain that you feel. I, myself, in 2008, stood up in front of a bulldozer when they were coming to bulldoze crops in Spring Village, and therefore I stand with all of you," Bharath said.
Also condemning the HDC's actions to destroy the farmers' crops was Congress of the People (COP) vice-chairman Vernon De Lima, who showed up at the protest at Woodford Square.
Earlier in the day, farmers led a tractor convoy through the streets of Port of Spain, calling for the removal of Moonilal. Scores of angry farmers made their way to the Office of the Prime Minister at St Clair Avenue, where they delivered a letter requesting an urgent meeting with Persad-Bissessar to discuss and address their plight.
The farmers want a public apology from Moonilal regarding Monday's incident.
Dhanoo Sookoo, president of the Agricultural Society of Trinidad and Tobago, said she has proof that the HDC never sought permission from the Environmental Management Agency (EMA) and Town and Country Planning to construct houses at D'Abadie and Egypt Trace.
The farmers, led by six tractors, moved north along Abercromby Street toward the Office of the Prime Minister, joined by angry protesters who walked on the pavement.
As they approached St Clair Avenue, they were pulled over by acting ASP Helen Cox-Modeste, of the Central Police Station, who expressed concern that the slow pace of the tractors was obstructing the free flow of traffic along the Queen's Park Savannah.
After much dialogue between Cox-Modeste and organisers Sookoo and Khan, the walk was allowed to continue.
The letter was delivered to Persad-Bissessar's security adviser Gary Griffith, who promised to deliver it to the Prime Minister when she returns to the country. The farmers are also threatening to stage a march from San Fernando to Port of Spain to highlight their plight.
Speaking at the post-Cabinet news conference on Thursday, Moonilal said discussions will be held with affected farmers to achieve a "win-win" situation as he stressed thousands are in need of housing.
Moonilal stated that the Government intended to proceed full speed ahead with plans to construct houses in Pineapple Smith Lands, D'Abadie, and Egypt Trace, Chaguanas. He said both housing and agricultural policies are important to the Government, and it is not a case of one versus the other.
The Housing Minister had described the incident as "regrettable", but explained these farmers were given notice verbally, in writing, and even received communication from their Member of Parliament, Anil Roberts (those at Pineapple Smith Lands), that the lands were earmarked for housing.
Moonilal and Bharath also met on Thursday with the farmers and promised compensation for the destruction of the crops.
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