While it holds the potential to be the food basket of Trinidad and Tobago, Moruga also represents the slow progress which has been made in moving towards increased investment in rural agriculture as part of the solution to problems with food security. And as the international community moves to adopt a new set of sustainable development goals (SDGs) in September, this issue becomes more relevant.
Though the agricultural sector has expanded within the last few years, positively impacting on the reduction in the food export bill, the development and expansion of farming lands in Moruga appears to have taken a back seat on the agriculture agenda. There is farming in the community, from coffee bean to cocoa, paw paw, rice, fruits, among other crops, but not on the scale that is possible. In fact, coffee and cocoa as well as overall agricultural production has declined, precipitated by the oil boom 30 years ago.
But while the economy was booming, the oil money was barely trickling down to Moruga though the community serves as an important access point for the large oil companies. The community was deprived of critical facilities such as hospital and fire station, and as residents observed, the oil companies often grumble when approached for sponsorship to assist community groups and grassroot initiatives. In fact, “The Prince of Mourga,” otherwise known by his birth name Eric Lewis, frankly stated that the oil companies are “sowing and reaping” in Moruga but not sharing the wealth with the community.
From Petrotrin to bbTT and the National Gas Company to Massy Energy, Moruga has been used as an access point and in other instances,Recently, A&B Drilling and Range Resources have moved into the community and according to Lewis, no major investments are going back into Moruga despite its role in the country’s economic stability. for oil exploration — a cross country pipeline also passes through the community.
What appears to be on the up in Moruga is the fishing industry, which is generating increased income for some in the community. Last year, a new fish landing site opened at La Ruffin, Moruga, amid controversy and plans to upgrade the fishing facility at Grand Chemin, which were disrupted after it was discovered that a portion of the land was privately-owned. This, among other issues, remains unresolved to this day but the State is negotiating to acquire the land, according to MP Clifton De Couteau.
The fishing industry has been doing well largely due to the efforts of the fisherfolk and the intervention of De Couteau. Some of the fisherman leading the sustainable drive in the industry have been in the sector for decades, and in other instances, fishing has been a family business that has passed down from fathers to sons and grandsons.
As a community, Moruga is self-sustaining and the people have long invested in their own economic advancement. However, they have been calling on the State for some time now to equitably distribute the nation’s wealth, and to make the necessary investments in the community, especially its infrastructure, and in health.
On June 29 when Newsday visited Morgua for the St Peter’s Day celebrations in the community. Residents spoke of the need for a more focused approach towards the community’s agricultural development and environmental health, the latter issue being raised with respect to the landslips which have occurred within Moruga for decades and counting.
Within the last five years, Moruga has had 93 landslips – from Princes Town to Moruga – which have disrupted travel and the free flow of traffic, and with obvious implications for economic development. While work commenced to stabilise the land and some of it was completed, a few contractors actually abandoned projects, resulting in delays.
In addition to these issues, unemployment, especially among the youth population and women, and challenges within the school system have been cited as serious issues which require urgent attention in Moruga.
But while the economy was booming, the oil money was barely trickling down to Moruga though the community serves as an important access point for the large oil companies. The community was deprived of critical facilities such as hospital and fire station, and as residents observed, the oil companies often grumble when approached for sponsorship to assist community groups and grassroot initiatives. In fact, “The Prince of Mourga,” otherwise known by his birth name Eric Lewis, frankly stated that the oil companies are “sowing and reaping” in Moruga but not sharing the wealth with the community.
From Petrotrin to bbTT and the National Gas Company to Massy Energy, Moruga has been used as an access point and in other instances,Recently, A&B Drilling and Range Resources have moved into the community and according to Lewis, no major investments are going back into Moruga despite its role in the country’s economic stability. for oil exploration — a cross country pipeline also passes through the community.
What appears to be on the up in Moruga is the fishing industry, which is generating increased income for some in the community. Last year, a new fish landing site opened at La Ruffin, Moruga, amid controversy and plans to upgrade the fishing facility at Grand Chemin, which were disrupted after it was discovered that a portion of the land was privately-owned. This, among other issues, remains unresolved to this day but the State is negotiating to acquire the land, according to MP Clifton De Couteau.
The fishing industry has been doing well largely due to the efforts of the fisherfolk and the intervention of De Couteau. Some of the fisherman leading the sustainable drive in the industry have been in the sector for decades, and in other instances, fishing has been a family business that has passed down from fathers to sons and grandsons.
As a community, Moruga is self-sustaining and the people have long invested in their own economic advancement. However, they have been calling on the State for some time now to equitably distribute the nation’s wealth, and to make the necessary investments in the community, especially its infrastructure, and in health.
On June 29 when Newsday visited Morgua for the St Peter’s Day celebrations in the community. Residents spoke of the need for a more focused approach towards the community’s agricultural development and environmental health, the latter issue being raised with respect to the landslips which have occurred within Moruga for decades and counting.
Within the last five years, Moruga has had 93 landslips – from Princes Town to Moruga – which have disrupted travel and the free flow of traffic, and with obvious implications for economic development. While work commenced to stabilise the land and some of it was completed, a few contractors actually abandoned projects, resulting in delays.
In addition to these issues, unemployment, especially among the youth population and women, and challenges within the school system have been cited as serious issues which require urgent attention in Moruga.
To read more, Trinidad and Tobago Newsday
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