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President of the Weston Fisherfolk Association, Chelston Thomas (left), presents parliamentary representative for St. James North, Edmund Hinkson for his ongoing contribution to the Weston fishing community.

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Sadoneyo White of St. James Primary received the top prize in the 8-9 category of the Weston Fisherfolk schools essay competition.

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Areanna Bradshaw of St. James Primary won the Weston Fisherfolk Schools’ Essay Competition in the 9-11 category.

FISHING CALL

Opposition MP stresses importance of industry

THE importance of local fishing communities to the health and wealth of the country has been underscored by an Opposition Member of Parliament and with it a call for clarity on the future of one of the popular fish markets on the island.

Speaking at the Weston Fisherfolk Association’s awards ceremony over the weekend, parliamentary representative for St. James North, Edmund Hinkson, stressed that fisherfolk are members of the private sector and for a long time fishing has been a significant area of local economic activity.

In fact, he estimates that there are thousands of persons who are directly or indirectly involved in the fishing industry, with over 2 000 fishermen, and 500 fish vendors as well as those employed in fishing plants.

However, he said there are issues affecting the industry, including the need for concessions to be given to alleviate fuel costs.

“Certainly there is a case that the same way the government can give concessions to the big tourist industries and the big conglomerates, … there is certainly a case that has to be made out for the fishing industry.”

He told the audience in the packed Weston Community Centre that Government also needs to be forthcoming about the future development of Weston fishing site.

“About two, three years ago, I was invited to a meeting here with UNDP whereby there were plans to renovate and extend the fish market... haven’t been told as parliamentary representative what has become of those plans. That organisation was willing to, I believe, grant the Barbados Government a few million to extend the fish market...,” he said.

Hinkson also stated that there has been some talk that the fish market would be closed and the land will be sold and permission granted for tourist development. “Where information is lacking rumours fly about,” he said.

“What are their plans for the development of this area. For the development of it? If they are planning to sell the Crown land upon which the fish market sells as well, essentially closing off Weston as a fishing community? Especially in light of the fact that we haven’t heard anything in recent times in terms of the redevelopment of the fish market which we were hearing up to two years ago...”

“Government has a duty to tell us what is the future. What are the future plans to develop the fish market,” he exhorted.

Additionally, Hinkson bemoaned that the fire station at Weston has been closed and it was announced that it will not be repaired. He said this means that none of the five northern parishes on the island have a fire station.

“The fire station has been part of this community. It has served fundamentally as part of the community but not only in terms of responding to fires,” he said, adding that officers in uniform also serve as a deterrent to criminal activity in the area. (JH)

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