Additional personnel and chemical resources will soon be focused on five of the 24 Moruga areas where locust infestation is particularly bad, Agriculture Minister Clarence Rambharat says.
He gave the assurance in the Senate yesterday, replying to Opposition questions on the problem which has hit southern areas. Rambharat said the infestation is seasonal, starting with a nesting phase in September. This affected Point Fortin and other areas.
In Moruga, the problem is intense in 24 areas and the Ministry will be focusing more resources - including seven mist blowers and two cannon sprays - to deal with the low- flying insects.
Five areas in Moruga which have particularly high infestations will also be targeted for attention in coming weeks, he added.
Rambharat said the problem affects agricultural production and community life. While there was no policy to compensate farmers, he said they’ll be given as much support as possible.
Also replying to Opposition questions, Social Development Minister Cherrie Ann Crichlow- Cockburn said 157 cases of elder abuse were reported in 2016 mainly at private homes, not homes for the elderly.
Out of T&T’s 181 homes for the elderly, she said 100 have been assessed. She detailed statistics of how homes have met regulations for facilities. But she said since the Homes for the Elderly legislation hasn’t been proclaimed, the Ministry can only do follow-up visits to ensure they comply.
