Minister responsible for Cooperatives, Catherine Daniel, last week met members of the St. Peters Fisheries Cooperative complex at Bioche.
She was accompanied by Registrar for Cooperatives, Mariet Canoville , Sabastien and Norman Norris of Fisheries Division to address the concerns of the fisherfolk and to encourage those who are not members of the cooperative to register.
The minister stressed the importance of the fishing industry to Dominica and its potential for creating sustainable jobs for the people of the area and beyond. The minister urged the fishermen to work cooperatively to reap the benefits of their cooperative.
This year’s theme for International Day of Cooperatives on July 4th is “Equality” and the fisherfolk were motivated to get more women involved and to take an active role in the Cooperative fishing business. Fisherfolk were also encouraged to take advantage of the basic Fishermen course organized by the Fisheries Division.
The fishermen expressed concerns over the need for a sea defense wall for the Bioche community and more support to be given to fishermen using fish ports.
There was a call for a greater level of control and attention to be given to fishing around the Fish Attaching Device (FADs) since fishermen fear that the behavior being displayed by some fishermen can result in violence.
Also in attendance was the President of the St. Peter’s Fisheries Cooperative Society Ltd., Francis Paul.
When they come ashore with fish don’t fan flies put the fish on ice please to much jerks , its not sanitary to eat? Why don’t Dominicans say any thing, is that thrir culture.