Minister Samal Duggins reopens Old Road Fish Depot with major enhancements

St Kitts and Nevis: Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries Samal Duggins announced new developments at the Old Road Fish Depot. He said that the establishment has been upgraded with a fully functioning ice machine, a rejuvenated ambiance and a fully functional dish depot.

Minister Samal Duggins outlined that he felt pleased to honour the fishing heritage of the beloved community with the reopening of the Old Road Fisheries, which now transformed into the Old Road Fish Depot.

In the past, fishermen sold their fish directly to the customers after purchasing ice from the Old Road Fisheries Complex. Now, the newly opened Old Road Fish Depot will purchase the fish from the fishers, clean and package it for sale to the public.

The government of St Kitts and Nevis, through the Department of Marine Resources, has listened to the concerns of the fishers and will do all it can to help ease the burdens of the hardworking fisherfolk. While sharing glimpses of the development, Minister Duggins said, “Out with the Old, In with the New” and added that the Old Road Fisheries are rising again. According to the Minister, “Gone are the days of stagnation – we’ve upgraded with a fully functioning ice machine, a rejuvenated ambience and a fully functional fish depot. We can now indulge in the finest locally caught fish and experience the essence of transformation firsthand.” [caption id="attachment_68990" align="alignnone" width="2015"] Minister Samal Duggins with officials at Fish Depot (PC - Facebook)[/caption]

“Now, they can focus on their craft while we handle the processing. Fresh fish, anyone? Come and ‘Get these Gar,” further added Samal Duggins.

The enhancements will enable the officials at the Depot to offer fresh and locally caught fish. The modifications were introduced on March 1, 2024, which resulted in a new chapter in the fishing industry.

The Minister stated, “When we talk about fishing, one area cannot be left out, that is, Old Road! It has always been synonymous with fishing.” He said that the Ministry has successfully eased the burdens of the hardworking fisherfolk by providing a central hub for purchasing, cleaning and packaging their fish.