The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Blue and Green Economy on Friday, September 6 signed contracts for the construction of fifty boats and the rehabilitation of fish landing sites at Mahaut, Bioche, and Dublanc.
The interventions are part of the Dominica Emergency Agricultural Livelihoods and Climate Resilience Project (DEALCRP), and aim to restore production capacity in the fisheries sector, boost climate resilience, and improve the livelihoods of local fisherfolk.
“This ambitious effort, led by five trained boat builders and their teams, will see boats ranging from 19 to 25 feet in length, ready to be distributed over a nine-month period. EC$950,000 will be directly invested in the livelihoods of these skilled builders and, by extension, in the prosperity of our fishing communities,” said Minister of State in the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Blue and Green Economy, Hon. Jullan Defoe.
“But beyond the immediate economic benefits, this initiative sends a clear message to the people of Dominica and the global community: Dominica is committed to innovation, resilience, and sustainability. By building climate-resilient boats and empowering local craftsmen, we are not just responding to today’s needs but preparing for the challenges of tomorrow,” he added.
Under the DEALCRP’s fisheries subcomponent, the sector has received support through the provision of boat engines, equipment, and training for boat builders. In Phase 1, the project supplied 108 outboard motor engines, including 68 units of 50HP and 40 units of 100HP, to approved fisherfolk across the island. Each 50HP unit is valued at $17,000, while each 100HP unit is valued at $25,000.
Hon. Jullan Defoe, Minister of State in the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Blue and Green Economy
Phase 2 saw the training of 18 local boat builders in the construction of resilient fishing boats over an 18-month period, along with the provision of essential equipment, protective gear, and minor upgrades to boatbuilding facilities. The project will also rehabilitate eight fish landing sites at Bioche, Dublanc, Mahaut, San Sauveur, Fond Cole, Newtown, Scotts Head, and Stowe, with an investment exceeding EC$1.9 million.
“These landing sites serve as the lifeblood of the fishing industry, providing essential services such as storage, vending, and equipment maintenance. With upgrades to locker rooms, slipways, storage facilities, and other critical infrastructure, we are ensuring that our fisher folk have the facilities they need to operate safely, hygienically, and efficiently.
“These improvements will lead to increased fish sales, restored livelihoods, and greater community resilience. By focusing on climate resilience, we are not only securing the sustainability of our fisheries but also creating pathways for economic growth,” Hon. Defoe said.
Minister for Finance, Economic Development, Climate Resilience, and Social Security, Hon. Dr. Irving McIntyre
Minister for Finance, Economic Development, Climate Resilience, and Social Security, Hon. Dr. Irving McIntyre told the contract signing ceremony, the investment was part of a broader objective to advance national food security and contribute to the nutrition goals of the population.
“Notwithstanding the reduced fiscal space for small island developing states like Dominica, exacerbated by modern realities of global conflict and climate change, your government prioritizes investments that have meaningful and direct significance to the life of each citizen.
“It is therefore in this context of strategic investment in the economic infrastructure that I wish you to consider today’s event; an investment that is meant to further catalyze output and facilitate the flow of capital throughout communities and households across the island,” he stated.
