Financial assistance to farmers who qualify will be given to them as soon as possible so they could begin replanting after the destruction of crops by recent flooding, the Prime Minister has assured.

Dr Rowley made the statement on Friday in response to the PM’s questions in Parliament about the expected increase in food prices due to crop losses, saying he expected the prices in the markets to be reasonable.

“What we anticipate is that we will take every step possible to restart the agricultural production after, and we expect those who have not been flooded out will not take the opportunity to price gouge as the shortage occurs in the situation where some farmers have lost their crops.”

Asked if those affected by recent heavy rainfall would be compensated for their losses with the US$5.84 million or TT$39.42 million the government received from the Caribbean Catastrophe Risk Insurance Facility, he said the money would be placed in the Consolidated Fund.

“The money is not targeted to give individuals because the government spends money, whether or not it comes from this insurance source. And therefore, the insurance money will come back into the consolidated fund as the government continues to spend, without limit...

“So whatever relief is to be provided to citizens will be provided from the consolidated fund through the various ministries. This insurance is simply a matter of the government getting back some money for what it would have spent in this instance.”

He said the government had been providing targeted support as the country’s economic circumstances allow.

Multiple agencies including the Defence Force, the disaster management units of the 14 municipal corps, SWMCOL and various ministries such as Works and Transport, Public Utilities, and Agriculture Land and Fisheries were instructed by the PM to provide relevant relief to citizens.

Citizens were also assisted by temporary food relief, disaster assistance grants when they qualify, and advisories on the state of water courses.

He said the government had also taken steps to minimise the impact of rising food prices by VAT removal on many items in 2021 including salted and canned fish, cheddar cheese, frozen french fries, refined sugar, corned beef, soy beans, and cooking oils.

[caption id="attachment_985404" align="alignnone" width="768"] Agricultural Society of TT president Daryl Rampersad and member Suren Ramkissoon gather crates of seedlings for distribution to farmers affected by recent floods. - Photo courtesy Agricultural Society[/caption]

“There has also been a suspension of the common external tariff, the CET, and the government has pursued this matter and a list of over 20 basic food items. These items were approved on the level of Caricom in accordance with Article 83(3) of the revised Treaty of Chaguaramas and implemented at the national level for the period January 1, 2021 to December 21, 2022.”

Asked if the government intended to remove VAT on the 7,0