PRAEDIAL LARCENY – FARMERS CRY FOR HELP
What is Praedial Larceny? Simply put it is the “theft of Agricultural produce”. While this practice happens worldwide it is felt that it occurs more in the Caribbean region than elsewhere. It is perceived that praedial larceny negatively impact the development and it is the main contributor towards the undergrowth of the Agricultural sector within the region.
Antigua and Barbuda is no exception to this crime and farmers through the years have been repeated victims to the loss of the fruits of their labour such as their produce and ruminants. Additionally, praedial larcenists have also illegally removed animal feeds, farm implements, and machinery all of which are at tremendous loss of time, investment, market and revenue.
In the earlier part of 2023, the Ministry of Agriculture held a series of Praedial Larceny Consultations that were not well attended by the farmers/producers in most districts. The main focuses of these consultations were to:
- To engage the producers in discussions pertaining to their experiences;
- To review the existing legislation pertaining to Praedial Larceny;
- To make a list of suggested changes to be recommended for the revision of the legislation:
- To advise the producers on security measures and methods their could implement as a deterrent and
- To develop a closer bond with the MOA and law enforcers in the quest on Praedial Larceny.
After the conclusion of the consultations, it was agreed and expected that the Praedial Larceny Subcommittee chaired by Mr. Martin Cave, would submit a list of proposed solutions/recommendations on financial recourses and penalties applicable for this crime. Moreover, It is anticipated that these recommendations would be considered for the revision of the existing legislation or newly created legislation which hopefully would be replacing the 1954 legislation which is currently in use.
It was discovered that besides being very antiquated, there were quite a few omissions, making the legislation inadequate and has not properly addressed many issues. The Ministry of Agriculture is cognizant of this and hopes in the very near future with the revised legislation enacted and enforced Praedial Larceny would be down-graded or be a thing of the past.
Cassava harvested prematurely were left behind by the Praedial Larcenists. However the made off with other crops such as Sorrel, eddoes and okras from this farm.