PRAEDIAL larceny has proven to be a constant disincentive to agriculture production, says CEO of the Barbados Agricultural Society (BAS), James Paul.

The BAS is therefore appealing to the authorities to move quickly in introducing legislation to address this issue.

Furthermore, the BAS feels the legislative changes and enforcement initiatives being asked for, is needed not later, but now.

According to Paul, this scourge of praedial larceny undermines the agricultural sector, and has frustrated farmers in their attempt to provide a means of employment to Barbadians and to provide income for themselves and their families.

“Strong enforcement measures and suitable penalties are required to deal with those persons engaged in such acts. We should not be placed on the back burner of the legislative agenda,” he stressed.

“This state of affairs has simply continued for far too long, and the current economic environment has seen brazen acts by the thieves to relieve farmers of their produce.”

“Some of these acts of theft are carried out in broad daylight, and I may add under threat of force, and they have become repeat offenders on some farms. It is amazing that these same individuals would refuse offers of work on a farm, preferring to engage in acts stealing,” Paul acknowledged. (TL)