RAINFOREST SEAFOODS last Friday opened a brand new state-of-the-art facility at Slipe Road, Kingston.

Head of the organisation, Ernest Grant, however pointed out that the 30,000-square-foot facility would want to support the local fishing industry, but the standard is low to support the demand.

"We will have to support the local industry as much as they can provide for us. The truth is, the market is just not as sufficient enough for us, so we have to import most of our seafood," he said.

"We just have to face the reality the Jamaica's fish stock is very low and the industry is not perfected and regulated as some other countries to satisfy the demands of some of our customers," he added

Grant, however, said his company has been in dialogue with the relevant authorities to improve the status of the Jamaican fish market.

"We have been having discussions with the agriculture minister and other persons to see how best we can improve the fishing industry, because as a private-sector company, we are willing to work with our local produce, which will, in turn, garner revenue for us," declared Grant.

Minister of Industry, Investment and Commerce Anthony Hylton though admitting to the inadequate fish market, encouraged persons to think globally.

"The local fishermen have to understand that the practices that they engage in is crucial to the sustainability of the fish town; and so we have to become competitive and we have to be open-minded and, most importantly, think globally," said Hylton.