Fisheries Sector Receives Japanese Aid

Saint Lucia’s Fisheries Sector has received aid for the procurement of equipment essential to the industry.

The official Exchange of Notes between the Government of Japan and the Government of Saint Lucia for an amount of JPY200, 000, 000 or US$1.8 million, on Wednesday March 13th 2019, marked a contribution aimed at development within the Fisheries Sector.

Deputy Head of the Mission for Japan, H.E. Mr. Yoshi-nori Yakabe and Prime Minister Honourable Allen Chastanet officially signed the agreement under the Economic and Social Development Programme.

According to Mr. Yakabe the grant, presented an opportunity for enhancement of the islands fisheries sector, adding that the expectation is that a more hygienic environment – which is essential for the fishing industry- can be created, assisting the Government of Saint Lucia in achieving its policy objectives in food security and nutrition.

Also present at the signing was Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries, Physical Planning, Natural Resources and Co-operatives, Honourable Ezechiel Joseph and other Government Officials.

Prime Minister Chastanet thanked the Government of Japan on behalf of the Government and People of Saint Lucia support given to Saint Lucia over a period of 4 decades in the areas of fisheries, disaster risk reduction and education.”

Prime Minister Chastenat noted that the aim is to secure a larger m/arket share for local fishermen, stating

“It is our Government’s intention to focus on improving the ability and the capacity of the fishermen; and to help them identify new methods in order to catch more fish and to get more value for their fish,”

Prime Minister Chastenat

Among the supplies to assist the local fisheries sector will be platform and countertop digital scales, coolers for fish storage on ice for landing sites, Biogas digester and energy convertor, Longliner vessel – 40ft with sleeping quarters, tuna hooks, desktop computers and printers, tablets for real time data collection, GPS devices, VHF radios, Vessel Monitoring system (VMS) for fishing vessels and main frame with software.