Fisheries summer program underway

Sixty teenagers are taking part in the second annual summer programme organized by the Fisheries Division, in collaboration with the Fisherman’s Day Committee 2013.{{more}}

The activity packed programme for youngsters between 13 and 18 will be held under the slogan “Knowledge of the sea benefits you and me”.

Acting chief fisheries officer Jennifer Cruickshank-Howard explained that the summer programme serves to entice youths to be part of the fisheries sector and highlighted the many opportunities that are to be derived from joining the exciting field.

“An advanced fisheries sector requires highly trained youths capable of operating a technological advanced environment,” she said.

“In the fishing industry, opportunities exist in a number of areas, such as fish processing and product development, harvesting of unutilized species, production of fishery boats and gear and the marketing of fish.”

She also urged participants to cooperate with facilitators and play an active role in the programme.

In his remarks, fisheries officer Kris Isaacs listed a number of activities that participants will be involved in during the programme.

Included in the list of activities are tours to the Calliaqua and Owia Fishing Centres and the National Fisheries Marketing Ltd in Kingstown. The participants will also be exposed to fishing gear assembly and rope work, smoking of fish, data management and beach visits.

“The fishing industry in St Vincent and the Grenadines has great potential for increased production and contribution to the national economy. However, in order for the industry to grow, it is imperative that the youth be educated about these opportunities and they be trained to help,” Isaacs said.

“It is our wish here at Fisheries that the programme be successful in passing on the knowledge of our Fisheries personnel to these young minds”.

The programme will facilitate two groups of 30; the first group began their programme yesterday and will finish on July 26, while the second group will be involved from August 5 to August 9.

When the programme culminates on August 9, the two groups will come together for a visit to the Tobago Cays Marine Park.(BK)