Basseterre, St. Kitts, April 24, 2006: Minister responsible for Fisheries Honourable Cedric Liburd said that the Government of St. Kitts and Nevis is actively working toward developing the infrastructure of the fishing industry.
During a tour of the construction site of the Old Road Fisheries Complex Minister Liburd noted that the completion of the project should promote the expansion of the industry. He elaborated that the fishermen themselves will see the need for expansion and the potential of the fishing industry.
He added that it was important to remove fish sales from the street considering that the Federation has to abide by phyto-sanitary measures. These are international sanitary standards for food processing establishments which include aspects like wearing appropriate processing clothing and ensuring food is chilled at a particular temperature.
These measures are being undertaken in preparation for the overseas marketing of fish to countries that purchase only products prepared under strictest phyto-sanitary measures.
The Minister of Fisheries said he is pleased with the progress of the construction thus far and is hoping that the complex will be completed on schedule.
He said that the marine portion of the project should be completed by June after which construction of the building will commence.
Minister Liburd revealed that the Government of St. Kitts and Nevis had applied for further assistance from the Japan Aid Development Fund towards the end of additional fisheries complexes in Sandy Point, Dieppe Bay and Nevis.
The connection with the International Whaling Commission was also made. The minister responsible for fisheries said that the local persons involved with the various facets of the fishing industry should take the opportunity to educate themselves on the issues involved and even to advertise their various techniques and products.
The completed Basseterre Fisheries and the Old Road Fisheries Complex now under construction, was made possible due to the funding and cooperation of the Japanese Government.
