IN A BID TO PROTECT FISHERMEN NATION WIDE
——-MFMR UNVEILS COMMUNICATION EQUIPMENT AND SAFETY GEARS
Minister of Fisheries, Emma Kowa Jalloh, (Centre) unveiling the items
By Max A. Konneh, Press Officer, MFMR
The safety and well-being of all fishermen and related players in the fisheries sector have always been a great concern to management and staff of the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources.
As the ministry tasked with the responsibility to promote policies, geared towards the effective and efficient management of the sector, the ministry continues to provide the necessary support to boost the industry.
On Tuesday, 28th July, 2020, the ministry officially unveiled a large consignment of materials including communication equipment (VHF Radios) and safety gears (Life Jackets) meant for fishermen across the country.
Speaking at a ceremony, held at Naval Base of the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces, Murray Town in Freetown, the Minister of Fisheries and Marine Resources, Emma Kowa Jalloh , said the state-of –the- art items which were procured by the ministry , would help to protect vulnerable
Fishermen in coastal communities while at sea
The communication gargets, she added will boost the information and communication systems of the sector, while pledging her ministry’s desire to continue to forge partnership with other key stakeholders to ensure that the safety and well-being of fishermen are adequately addressed. She reiterated government’s unwavering commitment to develop the fisheries sector and thanked partners for their contributions.
Navy Commander and Head of Operation, Maritime, A.H. Bengeh, described the initiative as unprecedented, saying that was the first time he was witnessing such a programme during his twenty –one years of service in the Navy. He underscored the significance of the items adding that they will go a long way in complimenting their effort. Information, he said, is power while thanking the ministry for a “laudable venture”.
Head of Marine, Sierra Leone Police, Chief Superintendent, Patrick Kpaka, said the provision of the items was very timely especially when access to protected gears was almost impossible and thanked the ministry for the gesture. He pledged his institution’s determination to ensure fishermen use the items for their intended purpose.
Public Relations Officer, Consortium of Fishermen’s Unions, Wudie Bakie Koroma, said it was indeed the first time in the history of the country for fishermen to benefit from such a gesture and thanked the ministry for its continued support to the industry. He spoke about the importance of their work as fishermen and urged government to continue to support the sector. He pledged their unflinching support to the ministry.
Director of Fisheries, Kadijatu Jalloh, noted strides made by the ministry to promote the sector including adoption of measures to curb illegal fishing. She called for more cooperation from partners and thanked guests for their participation.
Secretary General, Sierra Leone Industrial Fishing Company Association, Euphraim Ayim , expressed thanks and appreciation to the ministry of fisheries and promised to do more in complimenting government’ effort in revitalizing the sector.
The Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Elizabeth Ellie, chaired the programme which was also attended by a cross-section of marine and fisheries stakeholders, the Press and some members of the public.