Second Anti-Praedial Larceny Consultation  

Last night’s consultation was deemed as a success according to Ika Fergus, Acting Senior Extension Officer.  “I had a gut feeling and went with my instinct.  Tonight’s turn out of the farmers from the Southwest District showed their commitment to Agriculture”, Fergus said.

Although worldwide, February 14th is infamously known as “Valentine’s Day”, a day for the commemoration of “LOVE”, the second Anti-Praedial Larceny (APL) meeting was scheduled weeks before and as the time drew closer the Anti-Praedial Larceny Sub-committee was in a quandary, however, under the sound advice of Fergus (also a member of the APL sub-committee).  It was decided to keep the schedule as planned.

In attendance were thirty persons, including twenty-four farmers, who were proactively engaged in the evening’s topics and discussions.   “I prefer this informal setting to the previous venue” commented Martin Cave, chair of the APL sub-committee.  This was in reference to the classroom at the Jennings Secondary School which was used for the event. After the invocation prayer Mr. Cave gave a synopsis of the sub-committee’s composite and its modus operandi.

In most aspects, both consultations had similarities in terms of farmers vocalizing their experiences in praedial larceny and similar solutions were submitted.  However, there were also differences in last night’s meeting pertaining to new submissions i.e., in addition to new concerns and solutions which were added to the list, a presentation on four types of solar-powered security cameras was done by Beverly Derrick.  The presentation was well received and most felt it was a timely one that could assist in the deterrence and possible prevention of theft and vandalism that have been happening.

The Ministry of Agriculture through the Extension Division for some time now has been aware of the increase in this particular category of crime and the antiquated legislation dated back to 1954 with many concerns which are either omissions or not adequately addressed.  Moreover, it was felt that there is indeed room for improvement. Having the desired outcome from these consultations will not only redress these criminal activities and compensate the victims but also would bridge gaps and foster a better working relationship with our food producers.

At the end, all food producers were presented with bottles of liquid fertilizer complements of Beverly Derrick.

The next APL consultation is scheduled for Tuesday 21st February at the All Saint’s Secondary commencing from 6:00 p.m.