Fisherfolk get training

Manchioneal, Portland:

Fisherfolk in Manchioneal and surrounding areas in Portland recently benefited from a special training workshop on fish handling and storage put on by the Ministry of Agriculture Fisheries Department in collaboration with the Jamaica Social Investment Fund (JSIF).

The training workshop, which was held at the Manchioneal Community Centre on Thursday, attracted fish vendors and local fishermen who hoard and sell fish to community residents, markets, restaurants, and hotels.

"This training session is very important," explained James Pierson, enterprise development officer for agriculture projects at the JSIF.

Disappointing turnout

He added, "Unfortunately, the expected turnout is disappointing. This is where fisherfolk are able to learn about the various safety measures and regulations in handling, cleaning, and storing fish for human consumption. There are various health risks, which have to be observed when handling fish as one can easily transmitt germ or bacteria to the product. JSIF has partnered with the Fisheries Department and is undertaking the expenses as it relates to identification cards and food handlers' permits."

According to Pierson, the number of persons who had committed to the training workshop far exceeded the turnout, which was a little hard for him to understand as the training was the stepping stone for them to become certified and legitimate fish sellers.

Earlier, a presentation was done by the Public Health Department, which outlined the need for fisherfolk to cover their hair when selling and handling fish to ensure that no itching took place while handling fish; the need to store fish on ice to prevent spoilage; and the need to ensure that potable water was available when cleaning and handling fish.

Joint initiative

Through the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, the JSIF handed out 2,000 life vests, 2,000 marine flares, and 400 coolers. In addition, under the ongoing joint initiative, fishermen will be trained in basic seamanship and safety at sea by the maritime institute.

Additionally, Pierson explained that the training session also allowed participants to sit a written test, which was based on a presentation made by the Ministry of Health's Public Health Department.

Continuing, Pierson said: "JSIF has committed to undertaking the cost of processing identification cards. Persons must be trained in handling food. Food-borne illness is widespread these days, and, therefore, we are trying to prevent that from taking place. The training also teaches fishermen, who ply their trade on the cays, how to store their fish properly while at sea. JSIF, through the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, is undertaking this project to the tune of approximately $18 million, and this training is being done throughout all the fishing villages."

- G. D.