Reprinted from Caribbean Net News
caribbeannetnews.com

Japan finances new fishery facilities in Suriname

Saturday, January 27, 2007

by: Ivan Cairo
Caribbean Net News Suriname Correspondent
Email: ivan@caribbeannetnews.com

PARAMARIBO, Suriname: Within the framework of cooperation between Suriname and Japan, the Japanese government is financing the construction of a new fishery centre in this CARICOM member state.

Suriname minister of Foreign Affairs, Lygia Kraag-Keteldijk, and Japan’s ambassador Koichiro Seki will sign the agreement on January 31, the ministry of Agriculture, Cattle Breeding and Fisheries confirmed.

According to the ministry, the new facilities, consisting of concrete mooring facilities, an ice factory, freezing stations, fuel depots and a workshop to repair fishing gear, will cost US$8 million. A management building is also planned at the new fishery yard, as is a water supply facility.

The ministry said that the new centre is being built according to international standards. The new facilities are necessary due to the growing number of fishing boats, with no adequate landings to facilitate the industry. Fishermen had to unload their catch at unsuitable locations along the Suriname River.

In 2006, 424 licence holders were registered at the ministry. Due to the explosive increase of fishermen, the existing facilities in Nieuw-Amsterdam, built in 1992, also with financing from Japan, can no longer accommodate docking vessels in a satisfactory fashion.

In 2005 and 2006 officials of the Japan International Cooperation Agency visited Suriname to prepare the project before the funds could be released. Meanwhile, the Japanese embassy in Trinidad and Tobago has informed the Suriname government, that Tokyo has given its final approval.

Among other things, Suriname has to finance the fence, water supply system and electrification.

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