Ministry of Agriculture & Fisheries

		PRINT THIS			SEND TO A FRIEND

Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, Hon. Dr.. Christopher Tufton addressing the relaunch of the Hope Bay Fishing Beach in Portland on Wednesday (November 18). The Beach was recently upgraded at a cost of $7.5 million.

Government's commitment to the sustainability of the island's fishing industry was underscored by Minister of Agriculture, Hon. Dr. Christopher Tufton, at the relaunch of the Hope Bay Fishing Beach in Portland, on Wednesday (November 18).

The beach was recently upgraded at a cost of $7.5 million, to promote efficient, safe and environmentally friendly fishing facilities for fisherfolks in the Hope Bay Community.

President of the Jamaica Fishermen Co-operative Union, Havelon Honeygan, addressing the relaunch of the Hope Bay Fishing Beach in Portland on Wednesday (Novermber 18).

Among the features at the facility are male and female bathrooms, four compartments to facilitate fish vending and related business activities, a warehouse and an entertainment area.

Dr. Tufton said Government has been employing a number of strategies aimed at stemming the decline occurring in the fishing industry over the years, which can ultimately destroy it, if ignored.

He said legislation regulating the fishing industry will be introduced in the new year, to ensure a more efficient and satisfactory operation. Noting that these laws will make it a requirement for fisherfolk to become formally registered, the Minister said they will put an end to bad habits and practices that have been destroying the fishing industry.

MInister of Agriculture and Fisheries, Hon. Dr. Christopher Tufton (right), and Member of Parliament for West Portland, Hon. Daryl Vaz participate in the cutting of the ribbon on Wednesday (November 18) to officially declare open the newly upgraded Hope Bay Fishing Beach in Portland.

In urging fisherfolk to support the new strategies to protect the industry, he exhorted them to work as a team for the protection of their own interest, and for the betterment of the industry.

Turning to the upgrading of the Hope Bay Fishing Beach, Dr. Tufton said the improvement was one of several being carried out across the island, to improve fishing beaches and make them better suited for the businesses conducted by fisherfolk.

The Hope Bay Fishing Beach was one of 30 facilities to be upgraded under the programme. Dr. Tufton said the initiative was an indication of the strong commitment of his Ministry to the development of the fishing industry.

Minister without Portfolio with responsibility for Information, Telecommunications and Special Projects in the Office of the Prime Minister and Member of Parliament for West Portland, Hon. Daryl Vaz speaking at the relaunch of the Hope Bay Fishing Beach in Portland on Wednesday (November 18).

He said this commitment has been driven by the fact that there are approximately 150,000 people, either directly or indirectly, involved in the fishing business, making it an enterprise far too important to be ignored or treated with scant regard.

He explained that the decision to add Fisheries to the name of his Ministry, was not just symbolic but significant, because of the importance of the industry to the economy.

		PRINT THIS			SEND TO A FRIEND