The Ministry of Agriculture has officially commenced the installation of vessel monitoring devices for fishermen.
On Monday 3rd April 2023 Minister for Agriculture Hon. Alfred Prospere made the announcement at Pre-Cabinet Briefing.
“Just want to inform you that my ministry has begun the installation of the vessel monitoring device for the fishers. About two years ago we commenced a project to assist the fishers with what we call a vessel monitoring device, it’s actually a device that is placed on the boats and so when fishermen encounter any difficulties at sea, Digicel through information on the device can locate them.” he says.
The minister highlighted the two fishermen who have been missing from the community of Vieux Fort, along with other fishermen who have gone missing and the authorities having difficulties locating them, resulting in death.
He says the device allows authorities control and the ability to prevent the loss and death of fishermen at sea.
The minister says the device installation is voluntary and isn’t being forced upon everyone.
However, he wants to appeal to the fishermen and boat owners on the island to take full advantage of this opportunity as it is significantly essential and plays a major role in the event that they become distressed at sea.
“I want to appeal to all the fishers of Saint Lucia, all the boat owners of Saint Lucia to understand the significance, the importance of that device, how it can save our fishermen’s lives, how it can protect them, how it can assist us in locating them when they go through distress at sea. Making a big appeal to our fishers to take advantage of this opportunity.” he said.
The minister says the device will be installed with no fee attached.
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