House Approves Conch (Export Levy) Order, 2024

The House of Representatives, on Tuesday (June 11), approved the Conch (Export Levy) (Rate of Levy) Order, 2024, and Resolution, to maintain the current levy of US$0.50 imposed on each pound of conch exported during the 2024 season.

In his remarks, Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining, Hon. Floyd Green, said the Conch (Export Levy) Act was passed in 2009 with the main purpose of facilitating the imposition of a levy to be paid on every pound of conch exported during each season, pursuant to Section Three of the Act.

He noted that Section Nine of the legislation establishes the Fisheries Management Development Fund, which mandates that all proceeds of the levy collected are to be allocated to the Fund.

This, to facilitate the fisheries sector’s sustainable management and development.

“Important to note that Section 11 of the Act stipulates that any exporter who fails to pay the levy commits an offence and is liable to summary conviction in a parish court to a fine equivalent to five times the value of the unpaid amount of the levy or $3 million, whichever is greater, and in default of payment, imprisonment for a term not exceeding 12 months,” Mr. Green said.

The Minister reminded the House that the levy, which was imposed for the 2023 conch season, was at a rate of US$0.50 or its Jamaican equivalent per pound of conch exported.

Mr. Green noted that for the 2024 conch fishing season, the decision was taken not to increase the rate of levy, as the industry is currently experiencing some marketing and other economic challenges.

“To increase the rate of levy at this time will place added burden in the circumstances,” he pointed out.