May 21, 2009 … The fishing village of Barbuda is a step closer to enjoying the benefits of the construction of an Artisanal Fisheries Facilities through the aid of the government of Japan.

A signing ceremony for the exchange of notes in preparation for the development of the fisheries infrastructure took place between the Government Of Antigua & Barbuda and Japan, Thursday Morning at the Ministry of Agriculture, conference room.

Minister of Agriculture, Lands, Housing & The Environment, and Hilson Baptiste recognized the signing as an important milestone in building capacity for the sister island, which relies largely on the fishing industry.

Minister Baptiste told the officials on the Japan delegation that, “the project will help immensely. But, sustainable maintenance after construction is important. We want to make sure that someone from Barbuda is trained to deal with the problems that could arise, so I want to see someone working on the job with you.”

Shirase Hayato, Senior Advisor to the Director General Rural Development Department, Japan International Cooperation stressed the strengthening of the relationship between the two countries.

Chief Fisheries Officer Cheryl Appleton highlighted the objective of the project, during a PowerPoint presentation.

Appleton explained that the project is designed to provide fisheries infrastructure and improve fish marketing on Barbuda which lags behind that of Antigua.

It is anticipated that following the official handing over ceremony set for early June, construction will begin before year –end.

The Japanese will establish a fisheries complex with core infrastructure to include Landing Jetty, Mooring Wharf, Slipway, on site road, building construction, fish handling shed, building for administration office, ice making and storage facility, cold storage, sanitized water reservoir tank for ice making, meeting room/class room, sleeping quarters, rain water reservoir tank, fishing gear lockers, fishing gear repair area, workshop, fishing gear store, fishermen’s toilet, back –up generators, sewage system, parking lots, outdoor lightings, fuel sites, equipment for fish handling, equipment for repair tools and equipment for fisherman training and management.