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| Harris Has Big Plans
for Fishing Industry |
| By Sheena Brooks |
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Fishing boat
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The Hon Dr. Timothy Harris, Senior Minister
and Minister of Agriculture and Marine Resources, has
outlined a plan of action with a view to see substantial
and meaningful improvement in the fate of the local
fishing industry.
Dr. Harris and facilitators from overseas recently addressed
those engaged in the fishing industry along with staff
of the Fisheries Department at the inaugural National
Fisheries Forum. He urged the various stakeholders to
see the industry as a significant means of commerce,
trade, navigation and ingenuity. He pledged the government's
commitment to enhancing the highly critical sector of
the local community.
"The vision of our fishing fraternity, which includes
the government, must be to remain fixed on the rapid
progress which we need to make if this country is to
bring its fishing industry to a level that is dictated
by prevailing scientific and technological advancements,
and that is consistent and congruous with internationally
accepted standards and best practices."
Underscoring the importance of the forum, Dr. Harris
said it represented a sharp and abrupt turning point
in the management of the fishing industry since social
and economic development of the federation over the
last several years has substantially increased the demand
for fish by citizens, residents and visitors alike.
"This demand has created avenues for the local
fishing industry to improve its operations and play
a more important role in the national economy and achieve
better results, not only by the opportunity to capture
increased sales but also to acquire a greater share
of the domestic market for fish. Our fishing industry
provides several job opportunities for persons in both
urban and rural areas and has the potential for very
good income generation in well co-ordinated efforts
and activities by fishers. There must be a collective,
holistic and comprehensive approach by all parties,
working in tandem, to ensure and secure a vibrant and
robust future for the fishing industry in St Kitts and
Nevis," he said.
He informed that within two weeks of the consultative
process his Ministry would, in conjunction with a cross
section of stakeholders, reorganize the work plan for
the remaining eight months of the year. This plan, he
explained, will identify areas to be addressed; actions
to be taken; committees to take these actions; the required
physical, technical and financial resources; and the
timeframes in which these actions will be executed.
"My Ministry will urgently and actively encourage
our fishers to lease and utilise the new multipurpose
vessel which has been provided with the assistance of
the Government of the Republic of China on Taiwan; work
even more assiduously on acquiring the second multipurpose
vessel; develop and obtain government's approval for
a wider package of incentives both fiscal and technical
that will stimulate the transformation of the fishing
businesses; and improve the operations of the fisheries
complexes in both Basseterre and Old Road to have them
better satisfy the needs of fishers, householders, restaurateurs
and other food vendors," he said.
The Observer spoke with Minister Harris regarding
whether the 2010 budget allotment for his ministry would
effectively provide for the execution of the proposed
initiatives. He said the department was not relying
exclusively on financing from the federal government
and would be looking to external sources for funding.
"A substantial part of the support for the sector
in the past has come from non-budgetary resources and
we are hoping we will be able to rely on some of these
to take us along the journey. We are looking at support
from stakeholders including the Japanese Corporation
Agency, which much of the infrastructure we've had in
terms of the Complexes have come through their generosity.
We also have commitment for the commission of a 40 foot
boat that is coming from the Taiwanese," he responded.
Minister Harris said there are mindset issues among
fishermen relating to safety and conservation regulations
that the ministry would continue to work on altering.
"We believe that ultimately the fishers would see
self interest in following measures, regulations and
advice pertaining to conservation and safety. When we
set limits on certain sizes of fish that one should
take it's all about preserving the product for a long
time to come by allowing for natural replenishment of
the marine life."
He said any changes would take time since the ministry
was going up against traditions of the fishermen which
have given way to fixated mindsets about the way they
ply their trade. |
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