$13M compensation for flood damage to crops

Farmers who lost crops in the May 26 floods in Trinidad are getting $13 million in compensation.

On Monday Food Production Minister Vasant Bharath presented cheques amounting to amounting to $313,000 to 20 farmers who were affected by the floods

Bharath said farmers submitted 1,841 flood-relief claims to the ministry's offices between May 24 and 28. Bharath said most of the claims were approved. Officials rejected some of the claims because they were not properly supported with evidence of crop damage, he said.

Bharath promised that until government fixes the problems that cause the floods the ministry would continue to offer compensation to farmers who suffer losses from flooding.

He is also considering compensation for those who lost livestock.

With respect to plans for food production, the minister promised that within a year the government will begin to provide proper land tenure.

"We have already approached the Ministry of Finance to return lands belonging to the former Caroni (1975) Ltd estate now under the Estate Development Business Management company for development," he said.