In an effort to promote sustainable management and development of the country’s fisheries and marine resources, the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources, has in an epoch making ceremony held at the New Brookfields Hotel in Freetown, launched the Feed Salone Strategy for the Fisheries and Marine Resources  sectors.

The Ten-year Strategy, owned by the Ministry, and developed by the latter with support from the World Bank, Government of Iceland and other partners is a foundational step towards reaching the nation’s goal of sustainable Fisheries and Aquaculture.

Launching the Strategy, the Chief Minister, Moinina Sengeh, who also delivered the Keynote address, acknowledged the importance of the programme, saying, “as an ardent eater of fish,” he was very happy to be part of the process.

The Strategy, he went on, resonates with government development plan and emphasized the urgent need for stakeholders involvement in its implementation process.

He lauded the efforts of the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources and other partners for a job well done and entreated all to embrace education and promote government’s policy of Radical Inclusion.

The Chief Minister appealed to all, especially those in the fisheries and marine sector to abide by regulations governing the sector and pledged government’s continued support.

In her statement, the Minister of Fisheries and Marine Resources, Princess Dugba who stressed the need to develop the Strategy, said she was delighted to see it come to fruition.

Outlining gains made by her ministry over the years, Mrs. Dugba boasted that her ministry is capable of raising 59 million USD, annually, if the sector is sustainably managed while reaffirming the ministry’s determination to revitalize the sector.

She thanked the World Bank, government of Iceland and others who in diverse ways contributed to developing the Strategy and called on all to take it seriously.

Minister of Planning and Economic Development, Kenyeh Barley, commended the Ministry of Fisheries for exceeding their targets in a number of areas including, investment, revenue generation, employment and Industrial Catch.

She called for collaborative efforts among partners to ensure a successful implementation of the Strategy.

Representatives from the World Bank and Embassy of Iceland reinforced the importance of the Strategy and promised to contribute meaningfully to the sustainable development of the country’s Fisheries and Marine Resources Sector.

Acting Director of Fisheries, Sheku who did a comprehensive PowerPoint presentation of the Strategy, highlighted the achievements made so far, prospects as well as challenges facing the sector.

The ceremony which was attended by a galaxy of distinguished personalities, chaired by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Fisheries, Brima Kebbie, also saw the presentation of a documentary, showcasing activities of the ministry and short skit by Freetown Players.

By MFMR Media Unit