Cabinet Backs Commercial Arm for Sargassum

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During the Senate budget debate on Monday, Planning Minister Kennedy Swaratsingh announced Cabinet approval for a commercial arm to develop uses for sargassum washing onto Trinidad and Tobago’s coasts. He said the Institute of Marine Affairs and the Ministry of Rural Development and Local Government would lead the effort and seek private and international partners.

Sources: Guardian, 27 Oct, p9 ↗

The proposed products include biochar, agricultural biostimulants, biodegradable materials and extracts for pharmaceutical or cosmetics markets. These are development plans, not announced factories, buyers or sales. A dedicated commercial structure would be intended to license ventures and attract capital while coastal communities continue to bear the cost of clearing seaweed.

Swaratsingh also referred to TT$100 million in CAF financing for coastal protection, reforestation and Tobago’s sargassum response. The Guardian account does not assign that sum to the new commercial arm. The minister gave no launch date, venture budget or investment target; those details will show how far the Cabinet decision advances beyond an announcement.

Sources: Guardian, 27 Oct, p9 ↗