00:00The police are investigating yet another alleged racket involving staff at various regional corporations,
00:07this time as it relates to the issuance of food badges.
00:11There are public officers who it is alleged take bribes.
00:18They take a whole batch of applicants from people who are not even nationals of Trimlad and Tobago
00:24and get it processed and give it to them for a fee.
00:27We know that this is happening. We have had reports and those reports are being investigated.
00:34I want to call on public servants to maintain the integrity of the application system for food badges.
00:41The minister also raised public health concerns as part of the process should include routine inspections of the food establishment.
00:50The revelation came during debate on the public health amendment bill,
00:55which has now been amended to allow for all food badges to remain valid for 12 months from date of
01:01issue.
01:02At present, the law provides that registrations issued under Section 156 remain valid until December 31st of the year they
01:17were issued.
01:18Mr. President, the practical effect of this provision is that individuals who obtain registrations later in the calendar year
01:28are required to pay the same price but are deprived of the benefit but of a full 12-month registration
01:36period.
01:37This government has made the process easier and therefore I encourage you to be compliant.
01:43Food badges now expire on the anniversary of the date they were issued.
01:50Minister Amin stresses that this one change will have a significant administrative impact
01:56as everyone from street vendors to restaurant owners require food badges.
02:01The total number of food badges issued in the period 2023 to 2025 was 154,276.
02:14That gives you an appreciation of the volume of administrative work required,
02:20both from the public as well as from our public servants.
02:27Renasa Cutting, TV6 News.
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