[xml][/xml]
The Bahamas Weekly Facebook The Bahamas Weekly Twitter
News : Bahamas Information Services Updates Last Updated: Feb 6, 2017 - 2:32:04 PM


Bahamas government to purchase 11 vessels to help RBDF protect Bahamian waters
By Llonella Gilbert
Jul 23, 2012 - 11:06:50 PM

Email this article
 Mobile friendly page

IMG_5966.jpg
Minister of Agriculture, Marine Resources and Local Government the Hon. V. Alfred Gray (right) meeting with Arawak Cay and Potters Cay Fish Farmers July 23, at Pilgrim Baptist Temple, St. James Rd. At left is Rena Glinton, Under Secretary. (BIS Photo / Raymond A. Bethel)

Nassau, Bahamas - The Minister of Agriculture, Marine Resources and Local Government the Hon. V. Alfred Gray told fishermen that the Government has agreed to purchase 11 new vessels for the Royal Bahamas Defence Force to be able to better police Bahamian waters.

Speaking at a meeting with the fishermen at Pilgrim Baptist Temple, July 23, Minister Gray explained that the RBDF only has four boats that are operational, making it difficult for them to be on the lookout for poachers.

“So most of the problems we are having right now are a result of the Defence Force not having the sufficient number of vessels it needs to police the Bahamian waters,” he said.

Poaching was one of the main concerns the fishermen discussed with the Minister and senior officials from the Ministry during the early morning meeting.

Undersecretary, Rena Glinton; Deputy Director, Marine Resources, Edison Deleveaux and the Director of Agriculture, Simeon Pinder, also attended the meeting.

Minister Gray said Prime Minister the Rt. Hon. Perry Gladstone Christie has charged the Minister of Foreign Affairs the Hon. Fred Mitchell, Minister Gray and other agencies of the Government to travel to the Dominican Republic and speak with that country’s government concerning its nationals poaching in Bahamian waters.

He noted that most of the foreign nationals poaching in Bahamians are from the Dominican Republic.

Minister Gray said the Bahamian Government believes that getting the Dominican Republic’s government involved will go a long way in deterring poachers from that country.

IMG_5990.jpg
Minister of Agriculture, Marine Resources and Local Government the Hon. V. Alfred Gray tells fishermen of the Government's plans to equip the Royal Bahamas Defence Force to better patrol Bahamian waters. Pictured from left: Edison Deleveaux, Deputy Director Fisheries; Rena Glinton, Under Secretary; Min. Gray; Simeon Pinder, Director of Fisheries. (BIS Photo / Raymond A. Bethel)

The Minister also warned the fishermen not to approach Dominican Republic boats and get involved in a confrontation.

“Normally when they come out to sea like that, they are armed and possibly dangerous, because they are going out looking for fish and they do not intend for anybody to stop them.”

Instead, he advised local fishermen to use caution and contact RBDF officers as soon as they are able to pass on the information.

Minister Gray also said that some Bahamian fishermen are guilty of breaking the laws as well when they ask for a permit to hire a Dominican Republic national to work as a boat captain, but then turn around and have him diving instead.

He urged the Bahamian fishermen not to help foreign nationals by breaking the law.

Minister Gray also told the fishermen that they should register with the Government so that they can receive exemptions and other benefits offered by the Government.

He added that to qualify for the exemptions and benefits, they must also, as an individual or as an owner of a company, obtain a business license after registering.

“We do offer exemptions off certain items for fishing and the Government does not ask you for a thing back; when you make your money, it is your money.” Minister Gray said, “The only thing we ask you is to be legal.”

 


Bookmark and Share




© Copyright 2012 by thebahamasweekly.com

Top of Page

Receive our Top Stories



Preview | Powered by CommandBlast

Bahamas Information Services Updates
Latest Headlines
Junkanoo Summer Festival Is Back, Bigger and Better
ZNS Celebrates 86th Anniversary with Church Service
Doctoral degree posthumously conferred to Hon. A.D. Hanna by University of The Bahamas
Select Jif Peanut Butter Products Recall - Update
Dr. Rodney Smith confers final degrees as President and CEO of UB: asks graduates to take the next step with an open mind