John Myers Jr., Agriculture Coordinator

( L - R ) Victor Cummings, Minister of State with responsiblity for the fisheries sector in the Ministry of Agriculture and Lands.   André Kong, director of fisheries in the Ministry of Agriculture and Lands.   Errol Cameron, secretary of the Jamaica Fishermen's Cooperative. - photos by Winston Sill / Freelance Photographer

The Ministry of Agriculture and Lands, in a bid to strengthen the regulations governing the island's fishing industry, is to place more emphasis on training and safety for those applying for fishing licenses under the new policy expected to be finalised next year.

"I believe ... there is some more work to be done and I believe the policy is at the point where we can finalise it," Victor Cummings, State Minister with responsibility for the fisheries sector in the Ministry of Agriculture and Lands, told an Editors' Forum held at The Gleaner's North Street office in Kingston recently.

Hitches

He, however said, "There are some hitches in it and then it can be submitted to Cabinet so more than likely, the policy will proceed the Act and in addition to that, the policy will help to inform the final draft of the Act."

Speaking at the same forum, André Kong, director of fisheries in the Ministry of Agriculture and Lands, said the new Fisheries Act, which is to give more teeth to legislations governing the ailing fisheries sector, is to come on stream in the second quarter of the next financial year.

Mr. Cummings said he was concerned that many fisherfolk did not have training in basic life and rescue skills and were risking the lives of theirs and others in an attempt to eke out a living. As a result, he said there would be provisions in the new policy for "some testing to make sure they are capable in lifeguard training and when the boats are registered, they need to have the basic safety equipment." He said special emphasis would be placed on getting boats registered.

"When I first came home, I used to go out with some of the fishermen and it really amazed me and I keep on bringing it up, that some of these fishermen can't swim," Mr. Cummings related. "I am not a great swimmer," he continued, "but I believe that if you are going to be going out there and putting your life at risk, plus others, you should have the ability."

Ornamental and pond fishing

The Agriculture and Lands State Minister explained that the new fisheries policy, which is expected to be completed after the new Fisheries Act that is to come on stream in the next financial year, would also include provisions to govern the emerging ornamental and pond fishing sub-sectors.

Speaking to the ornamental fish (pet fish) sub sector, Mr. Cummings noted that "we need to start regulating it from now because if we are looking at getting into the export market, that is something which is critical." Also, "we are looking at pond fishing with the Tilapia. We are looking at, as far as in the policy, to deal with the economic issues and resource management," he said.