The government of Grenada is a recipient of equipment worth over US $500,000 from the government and people of Japan, to ensure the proper preservation of fish within the fishing sector.
Three freezer trucks and 16 ice-making machines were handed over during a short ceremony at the St. George’s Fish Market on Thursday, Oct. 27, 2022.
This donation will contribute to increased operational capacity and efficiency, ultimately improving operations within this vital sector.
Ministry representatives from the Ministries of Fisheries and Foreign Affairs spoke of the improved capacity they foresee for fisheries due to this donation.
Minister for Agriculture and Lands, Fisheries and Cooperatives, Senator Adrian Thomas, said this donation would further enhance the government’s transformation plan for the fisheries sector.
“We want to rejuvenate; reorganize the fishing industry. We realise the importance of the fishing industry to the economy of Grenada, Carriacou, and Petite Martinique, and we want to emphasize that,” he said.
“The fisherfolk has been crying out regarding their product leaving this country; this is an area that we have to explore, and we have to ensure that we exploit the resources that the good Lord above has given us.”
Minister for Foreign Affairs Hon. Joseph Andall, said fish spoilage would be a thing of the past with the installation and operation of the equipment.
He said, “This handing over will greatly assist in the storage capacity of our fisherfolk and the lessening of spoilage of meat, fish, and other seafood. Grenada is moving forward to enhance the fishing sector.
On behalf of the people and Government of Grenada, I wish to express deepest gratitude to the overnment and people of Japan.”
Chargé d’affaire of Japan, Kamada Ysuhiko, is hopeful that the donation will effectively serve the fisheries sector to benefit future generations.
He said, “I hope that the equipment will be well maintained and used for many years to come, not only for the benefit of current generations but also for the benefit of the next generation.”
Japan has aided Grenada in health, human resource development, and infrastructure development through grants, equipment, and technical support for the past 47 years.
Ministry of Agriculture and Land, Fisheries and Cooperatives…ensuring food and nutrition security.
