The Ministry of Commerce, Enterprise and Small Business made presentations at Castle Bruce and Grandfond on June 5, 2019. At Castle Bruce, the Ministry handed over two Yamaha 40 horsepower engines to the Fish Enterprise of the East District (FEED).
Danny Joseph, Rural Business Enterprise Officer highlighted some of the difficulties the group faced to get started and after serious looting after the passage of Hurricane Maria. However, ten members remained committed and persevered in establishing their fishing enterprise.
Chairperson of the Castle Bruce village council and representative of the Parliamentary Representative, Mrs.Gasper said, “Fishing was dead. There was no life on the beach but after reinstating the FEED program and having the young men get themselves into a group and having fishing back on the beach, we are very happy and for that, Castle Bruce people are very happy because every afternoon they come down to get fish”.
Hon. Roselyn Paul, Minister of Commerce, Enterprise and Small Business Development, reminded the men that they have not yet reached their potential and sees packaging and drying fish in their future. She pointed out that “fishing is important to the economy, for food security, nutrition and for the livelihood and employment it creates”.
The young men received skill training from the youth division. The Entourage headed over to Grandfond for the launching of the Greenrich Farming Enterprise at Newfoundland, Grandfond. The farming Enterprise supports fish and poultry Farming as well as vegetable and crop production.
Marcus Cuffy, the group’s president, was elated as he praised his fellow group members and thanked the hardworking staff of the ministry for their support and assistance to get this project off the ground. After the passage of Hurricane Maria, changes had to be made to ensure that the buildings on the farm were resilient. He also praised Hon. Ivor Stephenson, for his hard work in acquiring the land.
Also present at the ceremony were the Beemasters, the South East Women Farmers and the South East Organic Farmers. Emonews wishes the new enterprises well and encourages all to support local businesses.
