Rainforest officially opens up ‘Big Blue’

Lucrative partnerships with local fisherfolk and a sustainable fishing industry are two assurances that have been given, now that Rainforest Caribbean has officially launched its operations in St Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG).

processing of fish and other seafood at Rainforest SVG facility. (Photos by Robertson Henry)

The Rainforest Seafood processing facility, which is also referred to as “Big Blue” in Calliaqua was officially opened on Friday, July 15 with a ceremony and tour of the compound.

Brian Jardim, the CEO of Rainforest Caribbean said the facility, which sits on more than half an acre of sreal estate on the coastline is “undoubtedly the largest and most advanced seafood processing facility anywhere in the Eastern Caribbean and something we can all be very proud of”.

“We’re committed to partnering with fisherfolk and are confident that these partnerships with accommodation of our landmark facility will put St Vincent on the map as a global player, a game changer, with the ability to supply the highest quality seafood products to any market across the world and make Rainforest St Vincent, the preferred destination for Vincy fishermen to sell their catch…,” the CEO said.

Jardim also said he sees several opportunities for growth in this country but added that sustainability remains at the core of everything his company does.

The CEO promised to “support fishing practices to ensure longevity of St Vincent and the Grenadines marine resources”, which is in keeping with Rainforest’s mantra that “healthy oceans are healthy benefits”.

He believes that the possibilities within the 25,000 sq.ft facility are endless, given that it is equipped to efficiently process a wide variety of species to the highest global standards.

Saboto Caesar,
Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, delivers
the opening remarks.

“Big Blue” was retrofitted with “a quarter million pounds of cold storage blast freezers, processing rooms, best in class cold chain along with cutting edge equipment that will allow at source retail packaging…”

There are several other Rainforest operations established in other Caribbean countries including Jamaica, Barbados, St Lucia and Belize.

The company also employs over 1000 persons in the region and exports to more than 30 countries globally.

Saboto Caesar, minister of Agriculture noted that concerns have been raised locally about whether there are enough marine resources to service export capacities of operations like Rainforest’s and the local market.

FROM LEFT: Pearnel Charles jr. Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries in Jamaica, Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, Brian Jardim, CEO of Rainforest Caribbean and Camillo Gonsalves, Minister of Finance.

To this, the agriculture minister said that the government is “going to ensure that there are sustainable measures put in place to protect and ensure food security and food sovereignty in this country”.

“Under our watch, fish will always be affordable, accessible and available,” Caesar said, adding that by the end of the year, Parliament intends to pass a Modern Fisheries Act.

He added that government will continue working to ensure all international standards are followed and the relevant technical support is provided to keep port regulatory measures up to date.

The agriculture minister said persons can expect to see the removal of a red card sometime soon, which will allow for export to the European Union once again.

And Caesar assured that Vincentians will continue to witness advancements in the local sector.

Pearnel Charles Jr, Jamaica’s minister of Agriculture and Fisheries; Camillo Gonsalves, finance minister and area representative for East St George, where the facility is located; and Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves also spoke at Friday’s official opening ceremony.