MINISTER DUGGINS HIGHLIGHTS IMPORTANCE OF FADS IN FURTHER STRENGTHENING THE FISHERIES SECTOR

BASSETERRE, Saint Kitts, September 09, 2025 (SKNIS) –  The Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Marine Resources, Honourable Samal Duggins, has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to advancing the fisheries sector through the strategic deployment of Fish Aggregating Devices (FADs). Speaking at a FADs Construction Workshop on Saturday, September 06 in Dieppe Bay, Minister Duggins underscored the role of FADs in ensuring sustainable fish production and improving the livelihoods of fisherfolk across Saint Kitts and Nevis.

Minister Duggins explained that while surface FADs have traditionally been used, they are often lost or damaged due to passing ships. To address this challenge, the government shifted to subsurface FADs, which last significantly longer.

“Over the year, we invested to ensure that no less than 15 FADs would be deployed. I am happy to report that we are now at 12 of the 15, with a goal of reaching 20 by the end of the year,” the Minister stated, praising the dedication of his department in achieving its targets.

Beyond the numbers, Minister Duggins emphasised the importance of unity among fisherfolk from across the Federation, including Sandy Point, Godwin Ghaut, and Dieppe Bay. He urged greater collaboration in sharing coordinates for FAD locations and fishing grounds, highlighting that such cooperation ensures all fishers benefit from improved yields.

“When we work together, every fisherman will be able to catch more and earn more,” Minister Duggins noted. “My role is to set policy and support frameworks that make it easier for you out on the waters.”

The minister also pointed to significant growth in the fisheries sector, with revenues rising from approximately EC$8 million just a few years ago to EC$15 million in 2023, and further to EC$19 million in 2024. This upward trend, he said, is proof of the sector’s hard work and resilience.

Kevin Bennett, a representative of the National Fisherfolk Organisation and the Capisterre Fishermen Marketing and Supplies Cooperative Society Limited, echoed the minister’s sentiments on collaboration and support. He described the FADs Construction Workshop as “a very engaging and lively workshop” that created space for open discussions about past struggles and future opportunities in the fishing sector.

“We are very fortunate that we were able to attract a number of fishermen not only from the Dieppe Bay area, but also from Sandy Point,” Bennett said. “We are really happy for the assistance that was provided this morning, and we would like to thank the Department of Marine Resources, in particular the Director, Mr. Randel Thompson, who was instrumental in developing this workshop.”

Minister Duggins thanked the fisherfolk for their dedication, noting that their efforts are vital to strengthening the fisheries sector and ensuring food security for the nation.

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