Event

Event Date: 24/07/2025

Location: School of Education Auditorium. 

The Faculty of Food and Agriculture at The University of the West Indies, St. Augustine Campus, in collaboration with the University of Trinidad and Tobago (UTT) and the Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries (MALF), will host a Public Education and Awareness Symposium on Thursday, July 24, 2025, titled:

“The Giant African Snail: Friend or Foe – Exploring Risks, Roles, and Resources.”

The in-person event begins at 5:00 p.m. and forms part of a broader community outreach and educational initiative focused on raising awareness of the environmental, agricultural, health, and potential economic impacts of the Giant African Snail (GAS), while exploring its possible utilization.

The symposium will feature insights from a distinguished panel of experts and public officials, including:

-          Senator the Honourable Ravi Ratiram – Minister of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries (Remarks)

-          The Honourable Khadijah Ameen – Minister of Rural Development and Local Government

-          Prof. Rose-Marie Antoine – Pro-Vice Chancellor and Campus Principal, UWI (Opening Remarks)

-          Prof. Stephen Joseph – Ag. President, UTT

-          Mrs. Nela Dwarika-Ali – Permanent Secretary (Ag.), MALF

-          Mr. Ian Mohammed – Director of Research, MALF

-          Prof. Mark Wuddivira – Dean, Faculty of Food and Agriculture, The UWI (Welcome Remarks)

-          Dr. Marcus Ramdwar – Associate Professor and Invasive Species Expert, UTT

-          Dr. Vidya de Gannes – Lecturer, Department of Food Production, UWI; Microbiologist and Food Utilization Expert

-          Dr. Wendy-Ann Isaac – Senior Lecturer and Head, Department of Food Production, The UWI

-          Dr. Kegan Jones – Lecturer, School of Veterinary Medicine, UWI

-          Mr. Augustus Thomas – Assistant Lecturer, Department of Food Production, The UWI

-          Dr. Ronald Roopnarine – Senior Lecturer and Deputy Dean, Outreach & Internationalization, UWI

-          Dr. Reia Guppy – Associate Professor, UT

-          Dr. Ona Seriu-Aigbokhan

-          Agricultural Society of Trinidad and Tobago

-          Additional presenters from MALF and local food safety experts

Participants can expect to learn about:

●       The biology, spread, and risks posed by the invasive species

●       Best practices for safe handling and sustainable, integrated management

●       Potential benefits of the snail in carefully regulated contexts

The forum also seeks to engage the public and key stakeholders in meaningful dialogue around community-based solutions.

CLICK HERE to register

For further information, email: STA-Dean.FFA@sta.uwi.edu

Or call: 662-2002 Ext. 82113

 

Open to: | General Public |