Ferguson calls for a new deal for US multi-million dollar fishing industry
KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Opposition People’s National Party’s (PNP) Spokesman on agriculture and Rrural development Dr Fenton Ferguson is calling for a new deal for the fishing industry which he said has strong potential for growth.
Ferguson made the call during his contribution to the Sectoral Debate entitled ‘New Deal’ in the House of Representatives recently, according to a release from his party.
Ferguson said the passage of the Fisheries Bill 2018, which is now being debated in the Lower House of Parliament, will establish a National Fisheries Authority that would offer greater accountability, transparency and protection for fisher folk and increase their capacity to earn.
He reasoned that the Bill has taken 17 years in gestation but it will pave the way to provide for the efficient and effective management and sustainable development of fisheries, aquaculture and other related activities in accordance with internationally recognised norms and standards.
This Bill, when passed, will repeal the Fishing Industry Act 1975.
“There are about 18,000 licensed fisher folk and approximately 186 fishing beaches including the Pedro Cay. This industry impacts all the communities on the coastal plain and inland in some parishes and is important to thousands of our citizens,” Ferguson was quoted as saying.
During his presentation, the party said he also called on the Government to put in place: a concession on fuel for fisher folk; group life insurance which is affordable and tied to their licensing renewal each year.
He suggested that this facility should also be subsidised by the Government.
The shadow minister is also calling for a Government contributory disaster preparedness fund for fisher folk and the fixing of the Pedro Cay which has eluded both Administrations.
“This Cay is a logistical nightmare — no water, poor sanitation, weak security, poor housing and commercial buildings and no wharf,” Ferguson highlighted.
He explained that the fisheries industry in Jamaica is a multi-million US Dollar Industry, with the World Bank’s estimates that the annual value of the Caribbean Sea is at US$400 million and further predicts that the entire sea economy could be generating US$3 trillion annually.
