Both Stella Lady St John and Barbados Labour Party (BLP) leader Mia Mottley believe the local fishing market can net a lot more economically than it does.
Speaking at the official opening ceremony of the Flow Oistins Fish Festival yesterday, Lady St John, widow of the late Sir Harold St John, a former parliamentary representative for that area, called for the establishment of a fishing academy.
While Mottley agreed with the idea, she said such an entity should cover all maritime issues.
The BLP leader also highlighted the state of the major fish markets, which she said were reflective of the times. “This fish market [Berinda Cox Fish Market at Oistins], built more than 30 years ago, is no longer appropriate to the needs of a modern Barbados on the cusp of the third decade of the 21st century, nor is Bridgetown Fisheries Complex,” Mottley said.
She wondered why a number of “simple” but important issues such as the unsanitary conditions of the counter tops in the market were yet to be addressed.
She noted that approximately 2 500 people worked in the industry, inclusive of vendors and fishermen and many more who depend on the well-being of the industry.
Mottley wants access to funding to help youngsters get involved in the industry.
“It is my belief that a government of Barbados has a solemn duty to be able to facilitate access to capital for those youngsters and families who believe . . . that there should be a future on the ocean,” she added. (TG)
