Dominica plans to construct an EC$2 million fish processing plant in the Soufriere/Scotts Head constituency to support local fishers and strengthen the fisherie
Dominica: The Government of Dominica has announced plans to construct a two-million-dollar fish processing plant in the Scotts Head constituency, sharing that the facility will play a major role in creating new opportunities for local fishers and strengthening the fisheries sector for both the Soufriere and Scotts Head communities.
This plan was announced by the Minister of State in the Ministry of Community Development, Senator Oscar George, during a town hall meeting in Scotts Head earlier in the week. According to Minister of State Oscar George, the establishment of fish processing facility will be jointly funded by the Government of Dominica and the Caribbean Development Bank's Basic Needs Trust Fund (BNTF).
He noted that the Government saw the initiative as an important opportunity to create additional avenues for fishermen to strengthen their livelihoods and generate sustainable incomes.
"This constituency is obviously known for fishing and as a government we want to create the added opportunity for our fishermen to create and generate livelihoods. One way in which we have decided to do that, is a project which is funded partly by the Basic Needs Trust Fund (BNTF) and the Government of Dominica, which is called the Soufrière-Scottshead Village Fish Processing Plant," announced the Minister of State.
Oscar George added that the EC$2 million facility will provide the necessary equipment and resources to prepare fish in different ways such as drying, smoking, etc.
"This project will cost the Government of Dominica and BNTF two million dollars and obviously the whole intention is to have equipment and resources that will aid in processing and preparing fish in various ways including drying, smoking and of course frozen fish," he added.
The Government is currently in the process of securing a consultant who will finalise the design and facilitate the commencement of construction works.
George has expressed his confidence in the facility, noting that it will not only create opportunities for fishermen but also for persons involved in the sale and distribution of fish.
"I believe that this facility will do wonders for this part of Dominica and of course it will create a number of opportunities for fishermen but also for people selling fish," affirmed the George.