Food shortage and the mis-use of land resources are no longer just political talking points. Food shortage is now a global reality that will only be exacerbated by population growth, increased wealth, global warming and ignorance.

Trinidad and Tobago, as a small twin island State cannot continue its ever increasing dependence on food imports for the survival of its citizens.

The effects of global food shortages and a consistently weakening US dollar are quickly undermining our security as a nation. The purchase of basic food items is becoming more and more difficult for middle class Trinidad and Tobagonians. When a large part of the population can no longer afford basic items to feed themselves and their children, they will revolt. This is not a prediction, it is a lesson in history.

It would be a real pity if we as a nation suffered such a fate following the most affluent years of our history.

The focus has to be on food security before anything else. The Ministry of Agriculture needs to be working hand in hand with the Ministries of Local Government, Social Services, Planning and the Environment to ensure that an elaborate plan is put in place for sustainable growth in the production of food in Trinidad and Tobago.

There should be incentives not just for large farms but for small and medium size farms as well. By encouraging and facilitating agricultural entrepreneurship the sector will grow and flourish at a faster rate with greater efficiency.

There is merit in seeking to develop the infrastructure and ambience of the nation's towns and cities. There is also merit in dealing with the traffic problems that face citizens on a daily basis. Some may even say that there may be merit in trying to make international travel more efficient for the Prime Minister and his Cabinet colleagues BUT none of these noble attainments can be enjoyed by a rioting population with empty stomachs ....... a most crucial point.

There is an adage that says the higher you climb, the harder you will fall. Trinidad and Tobago is riding high on gas the wealth from gas prices, now is the time to ensure we build a sustainable foundation for when NOT IF the gas runs out or the prices fall or the food prices catch up with the gas prices.

The US farmers will not sit back and watch their profits dwindle as they pay more for gas or as the value of their currency falls. They will adjust their prices to make up the shortfall. This means that for the citizens of Trinidad and Tobago, food will indeed continue to become more expensive and food inflation will continue to set new records.

Without food security there can be no national security. The billions of dollars being spent on fast patrol boats to prevent foreign nationals from entering our shores will not protect us from the hungry mob that already live here.

The time has come for us to re-prioritise. Let us get the basics such as food production, education, health and national security correct before we move on to the more esoteric accomplishments.