The Reality of Trinidad and Tobago Food Prices

Everyone in Trinidad and Tobago knows that food prices are on the rise - but there seems to be something escaping the media when it comes to food prices. This would be that the lands of Caroni- the agricultural lands - are something that the Government of Trinidad and Tobago decided to build houses on. Granted, houses are a problem - but when you rob Peter to pay for Paul, Paul pays for all. And the agricultural lands of the lands were robbed to pay for housing - so guess what? Paul, housing, residents - Paul must pay for all.

While the Prime Minister tells his political supporters that all will be well, one has to wonder what sort of mindset permitted the use of agricultural lands for residences. Does that seem like something which demonstrates foresight? Of course not. And because of that, agricultural crops are also being grown where heavier fertilizers are required due to poor soil. And that, in turn, skews development.

Meanwhile, the Trinidad Guardian reports that the Caribbean governments are seeking public and private partnerships for agricultural projects they say could boost food production and drive down prices, but manages to somehow leave out the details that would permit people interested in participating to actually participate. There is even mention of Guyana, originally planned to be the food basket of the Caribbean, becoming what it was planned to be. At least they're consistent in talking.

Oh, let us not forget this rocket scientist realized that things could be had cheaper from Latin America. Duh.

The whole issue could have been avoided, and is still rather easily remedied should politicians be willing to fall on their housing swords. But they won't. So prices will go up, blame will be tossed around like a teacup in Parliament and Basdeo Panday will stand outside of Parliament on principle because the speaker wouldn't let him play solitaire.

A country's democracy is only as good as it's options, it seems. Perhaps Trinidad and Tobago need better options. These donkeys have been standing in front of the cart a very long time, but the cart is still... where it was when they started. The world just moved around the cart a little.

Did I mention I have some land for sale?