VFort gets Major Fisheries Facility by March 2000

August 24, 1999 - Work on the 20 million US dollar Fisheries Development Complex in Vieux Fort is on target and come March 2000 the Japanese Government will hand over the facility to the Government and people of St. Lucia.

Already the first phase of the project is almost complete. It involves the reclamation of 20,000 square feet land from the sea, and the construction of revetment walls and breakwater walls to protect reclaimed material.

The second phase, which involves the construction of a number of structures necessary for a modern fishery facility, is about thirty percent complete. The structures will include housing for locker rooms and changing facilities for fishermen, a cold storage for 400 tons of fish, an ice making facility, an administrative block, fish market and a fuel station.

At present, the project employees close to 180 persons.

The Vieux Fort Fisheries Development Complex is being funded by a grant from the Japanese Government who will also present a number of pieces of equipment including fishing boats, engines, a back-up generator, fishing gear and repair tools when the facility is handed over next year.

The development of St. Lucia’s Fisheries Industry spans thirty years and has depended on the financial contributions of friendly Governments, namely the Canadian and Japanese Governments.

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