Minister Daniel: No more fish sales on SVG streets

Come next week, the sale of fish on the streets of Kingstown will cease.

The increase in the number of fish vendors on the streets of Kingstown recently has been a cause of concern for officials of the Ministry of Agriculture Forestry and Fisheries.{{more}} As a result, Minister Montgomery Daniel said the decision has been taken to have the practice terminated.

Speaking at a press conference earlier today to inform stakeholders and members of the fishing community of steps to be taken regarding the sale and processing of fish in Kingstown, the Minister called on those involved to desist from the selling of fish on the streets as it is an illegal activity.

Apart from being illegal, Minister Daniel stressed that the activity poses serious health risks to the citizens of St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

Meanwhile, Chief Environmental Officer Rupert Doyle echoed the Ministers concerns. Doyle said a commodity like fish must be handled in strict hygienic conditions. He said those fish vendors on the streets expose this precious commodity to the elements, which can create conditions leading to persons becoming sick if consumed.

In the meantime, Minister Daniel said the Royal St. Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force will be assisting the Ministry and its stakeholders to enforce the legislation which prohibits the vendors to sell fish on the streets. ASP Brewster of the RSVG Police Force said the Police stand ready to assist the Ministry. ASP Brewster further called on those fish vendors involved in the illegal activity of selling fish on the streets to comply with the legislation.

Minister Daniel further issued a call for the fish vendors on the streets to return to the market to sell their fish in a safe and conducive environment. (API)