1 week ago
2
Fishermen and Friends of the Sea (FFOS) is urging the Prime Minister to redirect the more than $2 million saved from the cancellation of Independence Day celebrations to assist pig farmers who have been severely affected by the outbreak of Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS).
Although officials have repeatedly assured that PRRS does not pose a threat to human life, the Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries has put down the infected pigs, a move that has dealt a heavy financial blow to farmers.
One farmer, Brian Maturine, lost his entire herd of over 250 pigs, valued at $700,000, and is awaiting a compensation package from the Government.
Standing in solidarity with Maturine and others, the FFOS lamented that small farmers have no insurance protection and said helping them financially would be a sign of “true leadership” from Government.
In a media statement issued yesterday, the FFOS added, “At a time of economic uncertainty, austerity, and inflation, repurposing government spending from cosmetic, frivolous projects to small businesses and agricultural initiatives with measurable, tangible results within one to two years is the kind of leadership our nation urgently needs. Such support will not only provide relief but also reduce an already vulgar food import bill. Together, we must strengthen the backbone of our ailing food production sector.”
The FFOS said it has personally pledged $500 towards relief efforts and is urging the business sector to follow suit.
“If 150 businesses contribute $500 each, it would be enough to get several struggling farmers restarted,” the FFOS said.
Guardian Media reached out to Agriculture Minister Ravi Ratiram for comment on whether Maturine would be compensated but received no response.
English (US) ·