Mega Barbuda Fisheries Complex

The governments of Antigua and Barbuda and Japan today signed off on an historic agreement to construct a new Fisheries Complex on Barbuda, to the tune of US$5 M.

Of the initiative, Minister of Agriculture, Lands, Marine Resources and Agro Industry Senator Joanne Massiah said she was "happy that we have reached thus far; this is an important day for Antigua and Barbuda. The official checks and proper procedures have been carried out and the project can commence without any problems."

MP for Barbuda Trevor Walker noted as well the significance of the project when he said, "Barbudans are looking forward to the project, as it will benefit them all greatly; at present, they do not have any proper facility on the sister isle for fishermen to carry out their daily work."

The project is being funded under the Japanese Grant Aid Scheme, which provides a recipient country with non-reimbursable funds to procure the facilities, equipment and services for economic and social development of the country, under the principles in accordance with the relevant laws and regulations of Japan.

The signatories to the official document were the agriculture minister and Noriaki Nagatomo. Massiah, Walker, Ambassador Anthony "Mamba"
Liverpool and Chief Fisheries Officer Cheryl Jeffery-Appleton represented the local government.

All participants lauded the efforts of both governments and agreed, as per the sentiments of Ambassador Liverpool, that the establishment of such a facility will enhance fishermen production and bring more to the industry. He emphasized the need for small islands to protect their resources.

The Japanese officials were led by Shirase Hayato, Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Senior Advisor to the Director General;
Suzuki Hisashi, Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Senior Programme Officer; and Mitsuhiro Ishida, Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).

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