Cabinet has approved the transfer of management responsibility for all fisheries complexes in Antigua and Barbuda from the Fisheries Division to Antigua Fisheries Limited, a move the government says will bring greater operational efficiency and accountability to the facilities.

The decision, taken at Thursday’s Cabinet meeting, covers the complexes at Point, Parham and Urlings, as well as the facility on Barbuda.
The complexes, several of which were constructed with grant support from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), provide ice-making, cold storage, slipway, docking and fish processing services to fishing communities across the island.

Previously, the complexes fell under the Fisheries Division within the Ministry of Agriculture, Lands, Fisheries and the Blue Economy.

Cabinet determined that placing all facilities under Antigua Fisheries Limited would allow for a more coordinated and professional approach to their administration, maintenance and development.