STATEMENT FOR THE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY BY THE DEPUTY PREMIER AND MINISTER FOR NATURAL RESOURCES AND LABOUR, DR. THE HON. KEDRICK D. PICKERING ON THE FISHING INDUSTRY OCTOBER 14, 2013
Madam Speaker, the overall development of the Virgin Islands and its ability to provide employment for its residents rest in our ability as a government to ensure that our current economic bases of tourism and financial services not only remain viable and to assiduously look for other areas of growth. The fishing industry holds great promise as a viable third economic pillar; however, this must be done in the most sustainable manner possible. Fishing has always been a part of our social and cultural heritage and every effort will be made to ensure that that continues. However, Madam Speaker, in order to build a sustainable fishing industry it would require us to implement measures that will conserve fish stocks coupled with the preservation of the marine environment while at the same time allowing the industry to remain economically viable.
Madam Speaker, The fishing industry in the Virgin Islands is one of great potential and we have been moving progressively in that direction. In addition to the freezer space which existed a few months ago, we have purchased and installed another freezer measuring 20feet by 16feet.
The recently increased carrying capacity was
complemented by two (2) vacuum seal machines and two (2) medium size blast freezers. The general idea is to equip the Fishing Complex with all the necessities to adequately process, store and keep fresh for extended periods of time with an increase volume of fish. Madam Speaker, we are very much appreciative of the assistance provided to the ministry by local fisherman Mr. Kevin Gray. Over the past months he has been very attentive to the needs of the Fishing Complex and especially what he thinks is needed