 |
| Fish Farmer Alfred “Fredlocks” Webbe |
Basseterre, St. Kitts (July 04, 2007): Small businesses throughout St. Kitts and Nevis continue to benefit from various government initiatives which offer technical advice, low interest loans and reduced concessions on goods and services. Special land leasing and distribution practices have also helped entrepreneurs.
Fish Farmer Alfred “Fredlocks” Webbe will soon realize his dream of expanding his business after a recent meeting with Minister of Fisheries Hon. Cedric Liburd and Parliamentary Representative for the area Hon. Dr. Earl Asim Martin.
Ministers Liburd and Martin toured Webbe’s fish farm at West Street, Newtown on Monday. The micro-enterprise owner provided the senior government officials with an overview of his operations which offer various types of ornamental fishes for sale including the popular goldfish species as well as sharks. Turtles are also on sale.
The young man imports fish from Trinidad and exhibits them in aquariums, jars and pond-like tanks. He explained that based on consumer demand, he would like to expand his business, which is presently based in his backyard.
 |
| The fishes are stored in aquariums like these |
Minister Liburd saluted Fredlocks innovative thinking and explained that he was pleased to witness his entrepreneurial drive. Minister Liburd disclosed that he will instruct the Fisheries Department to move quickly to assess what assistance can be given to the young man.
Minister Martin echoed the sentiments of his Cabinet colleague. He said that government is cognizant of the importance of small businesses to the economy and remains committed to lending assistance where possible.
The Parliamentary Representative noted that this business venture has far reaching positive implications particularly as the diversification initiatives continue to transform the economy.
~~Adz:Left~~ Minister Martin added that he is looking forward to the day when Fredlocks stops importing fish and begins exporting them to regional clients.
“We want him to reach that level and definitely as the Parliamentary Representative for the area, I will be working with the Ministry of Fisheries to see how best we can assist Fredlocks,” Martin stressed.
A call was made for other young entrepreneurs requiring assistance to seek out relevant public or private based authorities.
