Just moments after the keys of the newly constructed fishermen lockers were handed over to the Fisheries Department; local fishermen have already identified and complained of a number of anomalies with the new facility.
One major concern for fishermen is the absence of toilet and bathroom facilities, especially to wash-off on return from the sea.
When The Montserrat Reporter raised the issue of bathroom facility for the fishermen, with the Permanent Secretary (PS) of Agriculture Mrs. Camille Gerald, she told The Montserrat Reporterthis, “We have thought about that, but I think the limitations had to do with financing… in the interim they probably have to use those that belong to the market…but I’m not going to make it public.”
Permanent Secretary of Agriculture Mrs. Camille Gerald
According to the PS, fishermen using the space will be required to pay a minimal rent of EC$25.00 to occupy the lockers.
In the meantime the Minister with responsibility for Fisheries and acting Premier Mr. Easton Taylor Farrell in a remark during the handing over of the building highlighted the main expectations of the Department for fishermen occupying these lockers.
He said, “It is clearly stated that the facilities must be kept in a manner that is in keeping with the surroundings of Little Bay development project. It now forms part of the Little Bay development hence the esthetic of the compound must be in keeping with the general extending of the compound.”
When one of the Fishermen raised the issue of bathroom facility with the Minister, he stressed that the use of water is prohibited in or around the vicinity. He further stressed that no fish should be cleaned in the area and fishermen should not wash themselves in the area. All washing and cleaning of fish should be done at the Carr’s Bay facility, shoreline or elsewhere.
According to the Minister, this action was taken to ensure that the vicinity is kept clean and is in keeping with the overall appearance of the Little Bay town as development progresses. Meanwhile the previous structure at Carr’s Bay came complete with toilet facility and electricity.
In the meantime fishermen continue to complain and remain unsure as to where they will carry out these activities. However these concerns could become an even bigger problem in the future, as the Carr’s Bay facility is scheduled for demolition in a few days. Presently fishermen use the back of the Carr’s Bay fisheries facility to clean fish and to wash-off.
On the other side of the coin, through-out the years residents have expressed disgust at the unsanitary appearance of the Carr’s Bay facility. In particular the area used to clean fish was described as an eye-sore for some bystanders. The counter on which the fish is cleaned is said to reveal a grimy exterior in addition to fish remains that are occasionally seen lingering on the floor long after fish cleaning is complete. These residences are concerned that this may tarnish the over-all beautification of the area.
Apart from toilet facility and the provision of cleaning facility, fishermen are responsible for their own water and electricity fixtures in the new facility.
