𝐆𝐎𝐕𝐄𝐑𝐍𝐌𝐄𝐍𝐓 𝐂𝐎𝐌𝐏𝐄𝐍𝐒𝐀𝐓𝐄𝐒 𝐅𝐀𝐑𝐌𝐄𝐑𝐒 𝐀𝐅𝐅𝐄𝐂𝐓𝐄𝐃 𝐁𝐘 𝐋𝐀 𝐇𝐎𝐑𝐐𝐔𝐄𝐓𝐓𝐀 𝐘𝐎𝐔𝐓𝐇 𝐂𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐑𝐄

The Honourable Phillip Watts, Minister of Sport and Youth Affairs and Member of Parliament for La Horquetta/Talparo, joined the Honourable Khadijah Ameen, Minister of Rural Development and Local Government and Member of Parliament, at the distribution of compensation cheques to farmers affected by the construction of the La Horquetta Youth Development Centre.

The initiative reflects Government’s commitment to responsible, fair and people-centred development, ensuring that the concerns of persons whose livelihoods are affected by national and community projects are addressed.

Five farmers received compensation following an assessment and settlement process for crops and ornamental plants affected during preparatory work for the Youth Development Centre.

Minister Watts commended the Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries, the Rural Development Company of Trinidad and Tobago Limited, the Ministry of Sport and Youth Affairs, project personnel and the affected farmers for their collaborative efforts in reaching a fair and properly documented settlement.

He underscored the importance of agriculture to national development, food security and community resilience, while encouraging farmers to continue producing, investing in their livelihoods and sharing their knowledge with younger generations.

“Our farmers are essential to Trinidad and Tobago. Their work sustains households, strengthens communities and supports our food security. We want young people to understand that agriculture is not a thing of the past, but an important part of our future, especially when combined with innovation, technology and entrepreneurship,” Minister Watts stated.