The University of Trinidad and Tobago (UTT), in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries and the University of the West Indies (UWI), recently hosted a national symposium to educate participants on the presence of the Giant African Snails. The Symposium’s theme, "The Giant African Snail: Friend or Foe - Exploring Risks, Roles, and Resources", aimed to explore both the risks and or potential benefits associated with the growing presence of the species in Trinidad and Tobago.

Discussions at the Symposium centred around the need for evidence-based protocols for snail handling and consumption, especially in light of the Ministry of Health’s advisory against consuming raw or improperly cooked snails. Dr Marcus Ramdwar, Associate Professor, Biosciences, Agriculture and Food Technologies, UTT underscored that this is a pressing national issue, requiring effective solutions for control and possible eradication. He also outlined vital indicators for identifying the snail’s breeding environment.

In 2018, Dr Ramdwar received grant funding from the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Services (APHIS) of the United States Department of Agriculture based on his project proposal, "Safeguarding Caribbean Food Security from the threat of the Giant African Snail".

Professor Stephen Joseph, Acting President, UTT also addressed those in attendance, stating, "The real power of this event lies not only in the academic discourse that will follow, but in its capacity to spark coordinated, informed action across sectors - government, academia, industry and civil society".

Through the ongoing efforts of Dr Ramdwar and his team, UTT remains committed to advancing scientific understanding and offering informed insight into the behaviour, risks, and control of the Giant African Snail.