PHILIPSBURG:--- Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport and Telecommunication (TEATT) Grisha Heyliger-Marten has announced several initiatives aimed at developing Sint Maarten’s fisheries into a stronger, better-organized and sustainable economic sector.
Speaking during the weekly Council of Ministers press briefing, Heyliger-Marten said the Government is taking a practical approach by training residents, providing equipment and infrastructure, improving fish handling and preservation, and creating new economic opportunities for local fishers.
Twenty Participants Complete Fisheries Training
The minister congratulated the 20 participants who successfully completed the first cohort of the fisheries training program, held from August 31 to September 5.
The Sint Maarten Entrepreneurship Development Center (SEDC) implemented the program, with Country Package support and in collaboration with the Department of Economy, Transportation and Telecommunication (ETT).
The Nature Foundation provided technical and environmental expertise, while seasoned local fisherman Lee Lake brought practical fishing knowledge and fisheries entrepreneurship experience into the classroom.
According to Heyliger-Marten, demand for the program exceeded the number of available spaces, showing strong interest among residents seeking to enter or expand in the industry.
A second training cohort is expected.
“This is exactly what we want to see: not simply talking about agriculture and fisheries, but building the skills and capacity that allow people to participate in these sectors as businesses,” Heyliger-Marten said.
Fish Aggregating Devices Arrive From Curaçao
The minister also announced that Fish Aggregating Devices, commonly known as FADs, donated by the Government of Curaçao have arrived in Sint Maarten.
Preparations are underway for their deployment, with a team of experts from Curaçao expected to travel to the island to oversee the operation. Weather permitting, the FADs are scheduled to be deployed around mid-next week.
Heyliger-Marten publicly thanked Captain Roche Lesperance, who will assist with the deployment using his vessel, Blessing.
Lesperance, a former fisherman and longtime supporter of the fishing community, has offered his vessel and services at no cost.
“That is the type of community partnership we appreciate,” the minister stated.
Participants from the fisheries training cohorts are also expected to receive practical instruction later this year on the sustainable use of FADs, proper fish handling and cold-chain management.
Ice Machine Planned for Simpson Bay Fish Market
Meanwhile, the TEATT Ministry is moving forward with procuring a dedicated ice-making machine for the Simpson Bay Fish Market.
The machine will produce flaked and shaved ice specifically for registered local fishers. According to the minister, this type of ice is better suited for surrounding freshly caught fish and maintaining the correct temperature during transport and storage.
Heyliger-Marten said the investment would support food safety, product quality and shelf life while increasing the value of locally caught fish brought to market.
Local fishermen and fisherwomen who have not yet registered are encouraged to do so through the ETT Department, attention to Wendy Jack.
“Our objective is to continue putting the building blocks in place so that fisheries can grow from an activity into a stronger, more organized and sustainable economic sector,” Heyliger-Marten said.