– Toshaos highlight at NTC Meeting
DISCUSSIONS and presentations emanating from Tuesday’s deliberations at the National Toshaos Council Meeting at Liliendaal revealed that Amerindian communities are advancing through agricultural projects implemented by Government.
It was noted that the National Hinterland Secure Livelihood Programme, which was implemented by the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs in Region One as a pilot project, is progressing with the sale of produce and farmers earning an income, hence the programme is achieving its mandate in promoting food security, generating income and providing employment for villagers.
Toshaos have expressed their willingness to replicate the crab fattening project that is ongoing at Imbotero; and while there were varying views on suitable conditions for the execution of the project in other Regions such as Regions Two and Eight, it was agreed that it is a feasible venture. Additionally, the processing of crab meat is on the horizon.

It was emphasised that villagers are setting up their own crab-fattening pens and have embarked on the rearing of crabs.
Other projects such as beekeeping and the cultivation of passion fruit, cassava and pineapple are ongoing. The projects, particularly pineapple cultivation, take months before harvesting, but the outcome is profitable once suitable conditions prevail.
However, some of the projects outlined for this programme, including the aquaculture farm at Tobago, are still in their construction stage. Unfavourable weather conditions and the unavailability of resources have hampered operations.
Minister of Agriculture Robert Persaud indicated that the hinterland rice and bean project in Region Nine is progressing as the first harvest, despite weather conditions, produced 80 acres of rice.
He noted that once the project is successful, it would be replicated in other districts, particularly in Region Eight.
Minister Persaud indicated that Government is cognizant of the challenges affecting agricultural development in the hinterland and it is working towards mitigating them.
The Ministry of Agriculture is setting up a unit to combat acoushi ants, which have been affecting farms in Amerindian communities. Throughout the year, the Ministry has been distributing chemicals, swing fog machines, and bomba pumps to aid farmers in getting rid of the pest.
However, to address the matter effectively, teams from the unit will be visiting Amerindian communities for two to three weeks where they will dedicate their resources towards eradicating the pest.
This initiative was appreciated by the Toshaos who praised the work the Minister and the Ministry have been doing for their communities. Toshaos highlighted that their communities have been growing owing to the partnership with Government in the development of agricultural projects.