DURING the formal observances of Fisher Folk Day, the focus was on the contributions of women in the fishery sector as it continues to expand. According to Minister of Agriculture, Mr Leslie Ramsammy, he is often embarrassed by the fact that “we do not seem to have a continuous and sustained effort in addressing these challenges.” The fishing industry is an important component and our rivers and the waters off our shores teem with fish and other marine life. We have not yet begun to exploit these resources as fully and efficiently as we can for our benefit. It is very important for the ministry to reach out to our women fisher folk and to provide them with the necessary technology and training which will impact positively on their lives. We have to liberate our women fisher folk because of the fact that they are the pillars of our society.
Because women are actively involved in the fishing sector, and there is an urgent need for technical support and training for women in the different disciplines which will have a direct positive impact on the lives of women fisher folk and their families. When women are involved in production and are economically employed, they will be economically free and if they are educated they will be able to restore the ‘moral fabric ‘in the family. When you educate one woman it is like educating a whole nation.
The ministry has to expand and make the fisheries sector more efficient, and establish several links with manufacturing to help the women. The government should work towards a comprehensive plan for the integrated development of the fisheries sector. The plan should cover the areas of fleet development, onshore facilities (including processing plants), marketing and distribution, industrial linkages and research);and it should take into account the special needs of small fishermen and co-operatives.