US$5M facility given to Ministry

The facility was built and commissioned by the National Energy Corporation under former Energy Minister Kevin Ramnarine to encourage economic development and sustainability in the coastal community, but it remained unused by fisherfolk who felt the facility lacked crucial features.

Fisherfolk continued to operate out of their stalls until the facility was given a longer jetty, better parking, cold storage facilities and ice-makers.

However, Agriculture Minister Clarence Rambharat yesterday said even if fishermen did like the facility five years ago, it could not have been officially used until it was handed over to the Ministry. “None of their (fisherfolk) demands have been met yet,” said Rambharat, “because the facility has only now been handed over. Nothing could have been done until the facility was handed over to us.

We can now get the engineering expertise to give consideration to what could be done.” As it currently exists, the facility supports net and boat repairs and is equipped with fuel, water, ice and cold storage as well as 25 lockers, washrooms and parking space.