Rainforest Seafoods SVG Ltd. has made a significant contribution to the local fishing community, donating 25 tanks and 11 complete diving gears to conch fishermen in Union Island and Canouan. The total value of the donation exceeds $41,000, benefiting 27 fishermen in the region.
The handover ceremony was attended by various stakeholders, including Stephen Seymour, Country Manager of Rainforest Seafoods, and Minister of Agriculture Hon. Saboto Ceasar.
Seymour highlighted the challenges faced by fishermen after Hurricane Beryl, which significantly impacted conch supplies and the seafood industry. Despite the hardships, Rainforest Seafoods chose to continue supporting the local market and maintain its facilities to assist fishermen in returning to their livelihoods.
“The tanks and diving gear were identified as the best form of assistance for the fishermen,” Seymour said, emphasizing the company’s commitment to helping the community despite ongoing pressures, including rising tariffs from the U.S. and fluctuating market conditions.
Minister Ceasar expressed his gratitude to Rainforest Seafoods for the donation and acknowledged the external challenges facing the industry. He also mentioned the government’s plans to ease the pressure on local exports and imports, including the expansion of the national fleet with funds received from Venezuela.
Ceasar also urged the fishing industry to explore new avenues to add value to their products, such as producing saltfish.
Both the government and private sector remain focused on ensuring the sustainability and success of the local fishing industry, which plays a crucial role in supporting families and the economy of St. Vincent and the Grenadines.
