Member of Parliament for Westmoreland Eastern, Daniel Lawrence, has highlighted what he said is the frustration of the fisherfolk in Whitehouse in his constituency, who continue to suffer loss at the hands of the large fishing vessels that fish illegally in Jamaican waters.

Specifically, Lawrence is concerned that the large vessels from outside Jamaica are constantly destroying the fish pots of the Jamaicans.

The first-term MP, who expressed his concerns during his recent contribution to the State of the Constituency Debate, noted that fishing has evolved over the years and has become a means of income for “most residents of Whitehouse”.

“The fishing industry in my constituency, Whitehouse and surrounding areas to be exact was a striving industry as there were incentives to offset some of the expenses on the fisherfolk. Today there are little or no incentives that would encourage younger persons living in the areas to join the industry,” Lawrence pointed out.

“The fisherfolk who remain in the industry are having severe challenges with larger vessels such as the lobster boats coming to fish in our local waters and damaging the fish traps,” the Government MP lamented.

“They (fisherfolk) cannot provide for their families while constantly losing their traps and have to start all over from scratch,” Lawrence added.

He is urging the Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, Pearnel Charles Jr to intervene on the behalf of the fisherfolk. He wants the minister to provide subsidies that would enable them to stay afloat amidst the rising prices. With the average age of fisherfolk over 50 years, Lawrence said any support would also encourage younger fisherfolk to enter the industry.

Meanwhile, the MP also highlighted that the former Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, Floyd Green had promised to rehabilitate the road leading to the fishing village in Whitehouse. That promise remains outstanding.