By Rayon Dyer, Gleaner WriterBLACK RIVER, St. Elizabeth:
AFTER A two-year closure, the Black River Fisheries Division sub-station was reopened last Friday with a greater focus to serve the fisherfolk in and around the Black River area of St. Elizabeth.
The ceremony took place at the Crane Road Base facility in the parish capital Black River.
The refurbishing of the sub-station is part of the first phrase of a three-year comprehensive development programme, which is being implemented by the Fisheries Division of the Ministry of Agriculture, in collaboration with the Petroleum Company of Jamaica (PETCOM).
"This partnership will over the long-term facilitate the upgrading and re-tooling of the Fisheries division's infrastructure, as well as the retraining of its front line staff, to ensure that our fishers receive nothing short of courteous and efficient service," said Roger Clarke, Minister of Agriculture who was the guest speaker at the function.
Mr. Clarke also explained that the ongoing collaboration with PETCOM and the Government of Jamaica, will help the fishers in the areas of training, the importance of operating their trade legally and the supply of cost-effective fuel.
John Cunningham, chairman of PETCOM, said the effort between his company and the fisheries division of the Ministry of Agriculture marks yet another step in the right direction to develop the country's fishing industry.
"Our aim is to serve you way into the future. We also look forward to working with you all in a sector of the Jamaican economy that holds significant potential for productivity and growth," Mr. Cunningham said.
This local initiative would also see the fishers getting assistance from the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), on a programme to develop and implement a comprehensive policy and strategic plan for the sustainable development and management of the sector.
