Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, Hon. Cedric Liburd has disclosed that fishermen in St. Kitts have harvested some 1.3 million pounds of fish valued at EC$7.3 million in 2008. Speaking at the official handing over of a 40-foot fishing vessel from the Republic of China on Taiwan, Minister Liburd said the acquisition of the new craft is in keeping with the government’s objective to create new avenues of employment, greater alternatives to generate income and the opportunity to improve one’s quality of life.
According to Liburd multipurpose fishing vessel will help the Department of Fisheries to conduct regular training and research. He added that sale of fish from these activities will contribute to cost recovery needed to supplement the cost of operation and upkeep of the vessel, while at the same time providing more fish to consumers.
It is noted that the closure of the sugar industry has seen emphasis now directed to other potential sectors of the economy including fishing. Minister Liburd also told that with the installation of fishing terminals at New Town and Old Road to facilitate demand, distribution and provide a healthy environment to store the catch, fishers should acquire larger boats and target the off-shore pelagic and deep slope resources.
Liburd opined that many skilled fishers who did have the capital to invest in such vessels now have the opportunity to obtain training and to lease this vessel to conduct profitable fishing expeditions. It is told that the new vessel is capable of conducting multiple fishing activities.
