The Government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines has begun a comprehensive rehabilitation of the Fisheries Division Headquarters at the Kingstown Fish Market, with works expected to be completed within approximately six weeks at an estimated cost of EC$580,000.
Speaking during a site visit on Monday, July 13, 2026, Hon. Conroy Huggins, Minister of Fisheries, explained that the Fisheries Division offices had experienced serious structural deterioration over several years due to inadequate maintenance of the building’s six rooftop ventilation towers. The Minister said the deterioration eventually resulted in extensive water intrusion, mould infestation and unhealthy working conditions, which forced the relocation of Fisheries Division staff in March 2025.
According to the Minister, all six rooftop ventilation towers at the Fisheries Complex are currently being renovated. Four towers serving the fish market have already been replaced, while work continues on the remaining two towers serving the Fisheries Division offices.
“We are bringing solutions to a longstanding problem,” the Minister said. “This project is expected to be completed within six weeks. Even if an additional week is required, we would still be satisfied because of the scope of works being undertaken.”
The rehabilitation project includes repairs to the roof structures, replacement of damaged ceilings, mould remediation, electrical upgrades, installation of new lighting and power outlets, replacement of office partitions, refurbishment of washrooms, repainting of the building, replacement of office furniture and equipment, and improvements to make the facility more climate-resilient.
The Honourable Conroy Huggins, Minister of Fisheries, noted that the building’s louvre windows will be replaced with full window systems to improve disaster resilience, reduce moisture intrusion and enhance the overall security of the facility.
Workers have already removed damaged ceiling tiles throughout the building, exposing areas where prolonged water leaks from the deteriorated rooftop towers caused significant mould growth. The mould infestation led to health concerns among employees, forcing the previous administration to close the offices and relocate staff approximately one and a half years ago.
Before employees return to the building, the entire facility will undergo professional mould treatment to ensure a safe and healthy working environment.
The Minister expressed optimism that Fisheries Division staff will be able to return to their headquarters before the beginning of September.
“Our focus is to restore the Fisheries Division to optimum operation. We have been operating from several locations within the Ministry of Agriculture, and we are looking forward to returning our staff to a modern, safe and functional workplace,” the Minister said.
The Minister also highlighted that the Fisheries Headquarters rehabilitation is part of a wider programme of investment in the fisheries sector, noting that several additional fisheries-related projects are already being implemented.
“This is not the only project. As we speak, three to four other fisheries projects are being implemented. In just a few weeks, we have rolled out project after project as part of our commitment to strengthening the sector,” the Minister added.
