Minister of Economic Planning and Area Representative for East George, Hon. Camillo Gonsalves, has called the handover of equipment and machinery at the Calliaqua Fisheries Centre, a wonderful day in the development of the fisheries sector.  The Minister of Economic Planning sounded his praises at the handover ceremony on Tuesday, November 1st, 2016.

Minister Gonsalves, in his capacity as Area Representative for East St. George, said the upgraded Calliaqua Fisheries Centre will not only benefit persons in Calliaqua but the wider community, as well.  He expressed thanks to the fisher folk for their patience despite several inconveniences to them while the facility was being upgraded.

Minister Gonsalves stated, in the past, fishers had difficulty in keeping their catch cool in the previous setting.  Thus, he described the upgrade as a great improvement, for which, “We are grateful for”.  He hoped that the fisher folk of Calliaqua and the environs understand the contribution made by the Japanese Government.  To this end, Minister Gonsalves thanked the Government and People of Japan for their wonderful cooperation on this project and Minister of Agriculture, Forestry, Fisheries and Rural Transformation, Hon. Saboto Caesar for his vision in the fisheries sector.

Five fisheries centres across St. Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) have benefitted from upgraded equipment and machinery.  These upgrades were possible through assistance from grant aid from the Government and People of Japan.  According to Non-Resident Japanese Ambassador, H.E. Mitsuhiko Okada, the assistance is a symbol of the friendship and cooperation between Japan and SVG.