While St. Vincent’s talented local fishermen do not need to be taught to fish, they do need greater experience operating larger, modern commercial fishing vessels.
Minister of Finance Camilo Gonsalves said that, recognising this need, the government is hoping to move more fishermen from near-shore subsistence fishing to more commercially viable production.
“We have collaborated with the ALBA bank to introduce the Solidarity Fishing Fleet Enhancement Programme. The Solidarity Fishing Fleet project will spend $4.4 million this year to purchase and equip 4 modern tuna boats, in the first instance, and to train fishers in the operation of those vessels and the business of commercial fishing”.
Gonsalves said that upon the completion of their training, the government will assist fishermen with demonstrated interest and aptitude to operate their own commercial tuna boats.
“For those fishers more interested in procuring their own boats and engines, Budget 2024 continues Phase II of the Fishing Development Project, which provides the down payment to fishers seeking to borrow money for smaller boats and supplies.”
“The $500,000 allocated to this project in 2024 will unlock $2.5 million worth of private sector financing for fishermen. The $27 million worth of production support for farmers and fishermen also includes safety gear for these fishermen, bait wells for their boats, and retractable canopies to keep fishermen and their catch out of the sun.”
Gonsalves said the $11 million investment in fishing and the $27 million allocation to production supports are exciting and powerful catalysts for improved production in the agriculture and fisheries sectors; however, there are still challenges to overcome.
