The Trini Environmentalist

What do we know about Food Security? With the onset of the pandemic, we have learned the importance of food security. As you go to the groceries, I am sure you have all noticed that some of the common items you usually pick up are unavailable on the shelves. Most of these missing items are imported products. As we know (from the previous article – Food Security in Trinidad and Tobago), the Food Import Bill for Trinidad and Tobago in 2019 was a staggering $5.67 Billion; but what exactly is the problem with food security in Trinidad and Tobago? You may be surprised to know that although 2.8 million people around the world suffer from obesity (WHO 2021), on average about 9 million people die from starvation, most of which are children (The World Count 2017). In this article, we will dive into the past and current issues with Food Security in our nation and what we can do to improve it. Figure 1: Free Range Stock 2021 Questions that pop up when we think about Food Security   These may

What exactly is Food Security? We have all heard this term being used, especially when the pandemic started but do we fully understand what it means? Let’s break it down. Food security refers to the ability of a nation to provide food for the entire population locally; meaning without imported food. According to the Caribbean Agricultural Research and Development Institute (CARDI) the goal for food security in Trinidad and Tobago is to, “‘create a food secure nation’ by providing access to adequate, nutritious, safe and affordable food to all people at all times” (CARDI 2015).  Figure 1: Showing Tunapuna market by TripAdvisor Where are we in our quest for Food Security?   Currently, Trinidad and Tobago does not have sufficient food security. As a nation we would not be able to support all our citizens based on our current agricultural output. In 2019, Trinidad and Tobago spent $5.67 billion in food imports. According to the Trade Minister, Paula Gopee-Scoon, “Of that amount, $1.1 billi

  Who are these visitors?             On Thursday 10 th June 2021 workers from the Urban Development Corporation of Trinidad and Tobago (UDeCOTT) Facilities Management Crew at Maracas Bay, the most well-known beach in Trinidad, were shocked to see baby leatherback sea turtles hatching. According to the workers, there were 52 hatchlings, with the possibility of more to come. In the world, Trinidad and Tobago is one of the largest remaining nesting sites for Leatherback Sea Turtles (Save Our Sea Turtles 2021). Video by: UDeCOTT Facilities Management Crew - Sanjay Ramsaran Why did they nest at Maracas?             Maracas Bay is usually beaming with activity during the day and night. Being the most popular beach in Trinidad, it facilitates visitors from all over the world who come for the Sun, Sand, and Sea experience but also for our infamous Bake and Shark duo. Due to the ongoing pandemic in Trinidad and Tobago, the country went into lockdown shortly after the Easter period, whic