Minister of Fisheries Hon. Saboto Caesar has refuted the statement by Winsbert Harry that fishers were not provided income support as being “totally dishonest“.
“Winsbert should tell the public when he is speaking on behalf of the fishers in his organization or when he is speaking as a propagandist. If he has problems distinguishing he should also say”.
On Friday, 20th December, the Ministry of Fisheries distributed to hundreds of fishers and seamoss producers income support in Bequia, Union Island, Canouan and Mayreau. The Coast Guard provided logistical support with the process taking place in Bequia, Canouan and Union Island. Fishers from Mayreau collection their income support in Union Island.
“Fishers from many fishing communities have already received income support on the mainland. The process started at the Walilabou Agriculture Station and had to be shifted to the Barrouallie Secondary School to accommodate the massive turnout. 6000 farmers, farm workers, boat owners and their crew are eligible to receive $1800.00 each as a part of the Post-Beryl Income Support”.
Approximately 4000 cards have been distributed. The remaining 2000 cards are expected to be distributed after Christmas. The Minister noted that he wished to thank the staff of BOSVG for the work they did in getting the cards ready.
“What must be understood is that the process of getting the card is one that involves a Bank teller. The tellers are at the different locations and must take the required information. This is time consuming with five (5) tellers made available for 6000 persons to be paid over a period of 3 days. At Christmas the Bank’s staff is already stretched so more tellers could not be provided. There are many who don’t want to see the farmers get the cards because they are saying this a big thing for the Government. Well I see it as a big thing for the people of SVG who are supported by a caring Government”.
“Harry should apologize to the technical staff of the Ministry who dedicated in some instances even their vacation to assist in the process”.
The farmers and fishers will continue to obtain production support noted the Minister.
For the remaining 2000 cards the Ministry intends to have the support of an internal call centre approach that will be open to calls from farmers and farmer workers, boat owners and their crew so that they can be assisted as to the locations and days to collect their cards.
The Minister also took the opportunity to wish all Vincentians a blessed Christmas.
