TUFTON

JLP Senator Dr. Chris Tufton has tabled a motion in the Senate to debate the state of Jamaica's fishing industry with the intention of establishing a Joint Select Committee of Parliament to examine and make recommendations towards the sustainable recovery and development of that industry.

According to Senator Tufton, the fishing industry is currently in serious crisis and this crisis state is threatening the livelihood and welfare of nearly 40,000 fishermen and their families or approximately 300,000 Jamaicans who survive directly or indirectly on fishing and its related activities to survive. The JLP senator is arguing that if Government and other stakeholders do not move speedily to address the situation, thousands of jobs will be lost and poverty and its related hardships will increase in fishing villages across the country.

Senator Tufton is calling on the Government to lead the charge to ensure that appropriate legislation, enforcement and technical support be put in place for the sustainable recovery and development of the industry.

Tufton's motion

Senator Tufton's motion in the Senate reads:

Whereas approximately 40,000 fishermen and 300,000 Jamaicans survive from direct and indirect involvement in the fishing industry;

And whereas the fishing industry has been experiencing steady decline over the years in terms of catch weight and quality;

And whereas Hurricane Ivan further devastated the industry at great pain and suffering to fishers and their families;

And whereas the cost to operate in the fishing industry has seen tremendous increases with less than commensurate increase in revenues;

And whereas there has been a long delay in the implementation of pending legislation aimed at modernizing and guiding the sustainable recovery and development of the industry;

Be it resolved that this Honourable Senate call on the Government to establish a Joint Select Committee of Parliament to examine and make recommendations to Parliament regarding all aspects of the operations of the fishing industry towards achieving its sustainable recovery and development.