Government helps out looted East End farmers

(CNS): Two farmers who lost over sixty holes of yam to thieves recently were given a helping hand by the ministry of agriculture last week. The two elderly sibling farmers who were the victims of predial larceny when people looted their East End farm received plants and other materials from the minister who had promised to help after seeing the results of the raid on their produce. Juliana O’Connor-Connolly said thatthe supplies were the ministry’s way of helping them get back on their feet after the loss.She also called on the community to be vigilant in protecting farmers from predial thieves and other threats to livelihood.

“These farmers help to feed our families, the community and the country; we must do everything to protect their living,” O’Connor Connolly added as she urged community members to remain alert for, and report, persons who are not known farmers selling farm produce.

The farmers were given banana and plantain suckers; a lime tree; scallion plants and various pepper seedlings, as well as a chicken trap and fertiliser. Yam suckers are also to be presented at the start of the planting season.

Alida Scott and Irvin Forbes said they were really grateful for the help. “The minister talked with us shortly after the incident, and this presentation of plants and supplies has encouraged us to go on,” said 67-year-old Scott. “Our hearts were broken because what the thieves did meant a big financial loss. Even worse, it also prevented us from giving free produce to other residents and elderly shut-ins as we normally do.”
She said that the gifts will do much to help her family on the path to recovery and DoA Director Adrian Estwick said the department s will continue to work closely with the sibling farmers throughout the recovery process.