Marigot, Dominica – December 19, 2023
Members of the St John’s Fisherfolk Cooperative recently underwent a comprehensive three-day training program focused on enhancing their skills in fish value addition. The training, conducted at the CALLS Center in Portsmouth from December 5 to December 7, 2023, covered essential aspects such as fish filleting, steaking, smoking, and salting.
This initiative is part of the ongoing COASTFISH Project, funded by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and implemented through the Fisheries Division. The project aims to strengthen the sustainable use and management of coastal fisheries resources within CARICOM countries, with a primary focus on the Cabrits National Park in Portsmouth and its surrounding areas.
Six participants successfully completed the training, selected based on their involvement in fish processing and their expressed interest in utilizing marine resources. The practical skills acquired during the program include fish filleting techniques, steaking methods, smoking processes, and salting procedures.
Upon successful completion of the training, participants were presented with certificates and startup packs. The startup packs included essential tools such as fillet knives, scissors, aprons, cutting boards, fish cleaners, hair covers, and hand basins.
Ms. Donna Mitchell, the lead facilitator of the training, emphasized the practical application of the skills learned. The participants are now well-positioned to leverage these newfound capabilities to develop their own businesses, thereby contributing to the improvement of their livelihoods.
This initiative not only enhances the capacity of individual fisherfolk but also aligns with broader efforts to promote sustainable practices and economic empowerment within the local fishing community.
