News Date: July 28 2016
Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, says the Government intends to do more to safeguard the country’s territorial waters against poaching.
He noted that Jamaica loses approximately US$10 million annually due to illegal fishing. He said the fishing jurisdiction is an important zone that, if properly protected and tapped into, can contribute significantly to the country’s growth and development.
“The economic space that is under Jamaican jurisdiction is 25 times the size of our landmass. There is significant economic value within that zone which we have not tapped fully,” Mr. Holness pointed out.
He was speaking to reporters following a tour of Rainforest Seafoods facility on Slipe Road in Kingston on July 27.
The Prime Minister said that securing the country’s natural resources will enable companies like Rainforest Seafoods to thrive.
He charged Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Rainforest Seafoods, Brian Jardim, to develop new products and to increase the number of persons employed.
He further commended the company’s outreach programmes and its contributions to the local economy.
Mr. Jardim, in his remarks, said plans are in place to expand the Montego Bay operations, which will result in over 100 persons being employed, and development of a port docking facility.
“We are [also] building a plant in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) is significant to us as a supply source and as a market,” Mr. Jardim said.
For his part, President of the Jamaica Manufacturing Association (JMA) Metry Seaga, congratulated Rainforest Seafoods on the expansion of its facility and the company’s commitment to the Jamaican economy.
He also lauded the entity for supporting smaller manufacturers and members of the fishing community.
President of the Jamaica Exporters’ Association (JEA), Michelle Chong, hailed the Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP)-certified facility as an example of a company with high-quality manufacturing standards.
Rainforest Seafoods is the Caribbean’s largest supplier of premium quality fish and seafood to domestic and foreign markets.
During the tour, the Prime Minister observed harvesting and packaging of fish and shellfish and got a first-hand look at Rainforest’s investments in solar energy, renewable energy and expansion of its plant.
News Source: JIS News
