PM urges former sugar workers to make lands productive

PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar and Food Production Minister Vasant Bharath present a lease to a former sugar worker.  (Max Ottley photo)

Prime Minister Kamla told former sugar workers Wednesday the distribution of agricultural leases to them is a fulfillment of a pledge in the drive to eradicate poverty.

She was speaking at a distribution ceremony to hand out leases for 2-acre plots to former workers of Caroni (1975) Limited. 


"We all know that land in our country, is a very precious national resource and it is Government’s policy to ensure equity in the distribution of these valuable lands," she said.

"The distribution of these lands to citizens comes with a guarantee and protection of the security of knowing that you own something that can provide food or shelter for you and that is a basic comfort that should never be underrated. 

"This is so especially given the fact that today; many citizens of this country are desperately searching for some type of security given our present economic reality.

"With this distribution to you comes a promise of Government’s commitment to poverty eradication and social justice."

Persad-Bissessar noted that one of the seven pillars identified in the People's partnership manifesto was to tackle the very serious problem of one in five citizens living below the poverty line.

She also said her government is committed to reviving the agricultural industry in an effort to diversify the economy.

"In the economic realities that we live in today, and with the crucial need to diversify the economy to specially revive the agriculture sector and reduce our international food bill, land reform and land restitution are critical to the transformation of our society," she said.

"By giving citizens land which they can use for the development of agriculture and to generate employment, we are giving our citizens their guaranteed entitlement to a sustainable livelihood and a social safety net.


"For too long in the past eight years of the previous administration had land distribution been ignored and treated as an unimportant aspect of government policy. 


"Government today has shown to you that we are committed to a dedicated land reform policy which will benefit our citizens and our economy in the medium to long term in a major way." 


Persad-Bissessar said growth alone is not sufficient for poverty reduction. "I urge you...to please do your part. Use the land well and ensure that you assist in the development of our economy and agricultural sector."


She said, "After all, as I have often said before, we cannot achieve the progressive, developed society that we all want for ourselves and future generations if we do not work together in a committed effort and today, I trust that you will commit to doing so."


Persad-Bissessar ended her speech by thanking the food production minister for his efforts in accelerating the growth of agriculture and for ensuring that the former sugar workers have finally got the lands promised to them many years ago.