BLACK RIVER, St. Elizabeth:
AFTER A two-year closure, the Black River Fisheries Division sub-station was reopened last Friday with a greater focus on serving the fisherfolk in and around the St. Elizabeth capital.
The ceremony took place at the station, located at Crane Road in Black River.
The refurbishing was part of the first phrase of a three-year comprehensive development programme, which is being implemented by the Fisheries Division of the Ministry of Agriculture, in collaboration with the Petroleum Company of Jamaica (PETCOM).
UPGRADING AND RE-TOOLING
"This partnership will over the long-term facilitate the upgrading and re-tooling of the fisheries division's infrastructure, as well as the retraining of its frontline staff, to ensure that our fishers receive nothing short of courteous and efficient service", said Roger Clarke, Minister of Agriculture.
Mr. Clarke also explained that the ongoing collaboration with PETCOM and the Government of Jamaica will help fishers in the areas of training, understanding the importance of operating their trade legally, and gain access to cheaper fuel.
John Cunningham, chairman of PETCOM, said the effort between his company and the fisheries division of the Ministry of Agriculture marks yet another step in the right direction to develop the country's fishing industry.
PRODUCTIVITY AND GROWTH
"Our aim is to serve you way into the future. We also look forward to working with you all in a sector of the Jamaican economy that holds significant potential for productivity and growth," Mr. Cunningham said.
This local initiative will also see the fishery sector getting assistance from the Food
and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), a United Nations agency, on a programme
to develop and implement a comprehensive policy and strategic plan for the sustainable development and management of the sector.
