Member of Parliament for Couva North and Shadow Minister of Agriculture, Land, and Fisheries, Ravi Ratiram has strongly criticized the PNM Government’s mismanagement of Trinidad and Tobago’s struggling coconut sector.
In a release, in celebration of World Coconut Day today, Ratiram said: “It is imperative to highlight the severe mismanagement and neglect that has plagued our coconut industry under the current administration.”
“Our nation, once a leader in coconut cultivation, is now trailing behind our regional counterparts who are making impressive strides in revitalizing their coconut industries.”
Ratiram contrasted the current state of the industry with the achievements under the People’s Partnership administration. “As a result of the strategic policies and investments in the sector by the People’s Partnership administration, our coconut production reached a remarkable high of 33,764 kg in 2016. Given that coconut trees take 3 to 4 years to start fruiting, this was the culmination of forward-thinking initiatives. However, today, our production has plummeted to a meagre 20,200 kg. This dramatic decline underscores the failure of the current government’s policies.”
The Member of Parliament for Couva North pointed to the proactive measures taken by neighbouring countries such as Guyana as a glaring example of what Trinidad and Tobago is missing.
“Guyana is actively rejuvenating their coconut industry by introducing approximately 60,000 Brazilian Green Dwarf Coconuts, which yield 500 to 700 millilitres of water. This progressive approach highlights their commitment to agricultural innovation and sustainability, which we are sadly lacking in Trinidad and Tobago.”
MP Ratiram expressed grave concerns over the government’s ineffective management of pests, such as the South American palm weevil, which continues to devastate Trinidad and Tobago’s coconut plantations. “The government’s failure to address these pest issues has worsened the decline of our coconut sector. We are witnessing a troubling resurgence of these destructive pests while the administration’s agricultural policies remain outdated and ineffective.”
He also highlighted Trinidad and Tobago’s historical role in combating coconut diseases.
“In 1905, Trinidad and Tobago was the first country to identify red ring disease. Despite our historical expertise in managing such threats, we are now experiencing a concerning resurgence of this epidemic. It is disheartening that, given our experience, decisive action has not been taken to prevent such blights.”
The Shadow Minister of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries called on the government to end its “mamaguy” and undertake substantial actions to revive the coconut sector. “It is high time for the government to move beyond empty promises and implement a comprehensive strategy to restore our coconut industry. Our nation should be leading the charge in managing and preventing agricultural crises, not lagging behind due to negligence and poor policy.”
MP Ratiram also laid out the UNC’s vision for the future. “When a UNC Government is elected, we will address the growing global demand for coconut products by replanting at least 1 million coconut trees and developing high-end coconut-based products. We will collaborate with CARDI and other stakeholders to rejuvenate the local coconut industry and position Trinidad and Tobago as a global leader in the coconut market. This plan includes significant investments in research and development to drive innovation and create new job opportunities.”
MP Ravi Ratiram concluded by urging the current government to prioritize the revitalization of the coconut sector. “On this World Coconut Day, let us commit to implementing serious and effective measures to rejuvenate our coconut industry and secure its prosperity for future generations.”