SVG’s EU red card matter currently being addressed

The red card which was issued to St Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) by the European Union (EU) in relation to illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing (IUU), is being addressed by an outside entity.Back in 2017, SVG landed on the EU’s radar as it pertains to fishing in international waters.

The country was listed as a non-cooperating state pertaining to IUU fishing, but not because of Vincentian fishermen, but because of 33 vessels that are owned by Taiwanese companies registered in SVG, which therefore fly the Vincentian flag.Minister of Agriculture Saboto Caesar, speaking after the launch of the 2018 Fisherman’s Day activities on Friday April 27 at the Fisheries Division conference room, told SEARCHLIGHT that the matter is being addressed by a company linked to the Bequia Seafood Company Limited.

The one-year-old Bequia Seafood Company Ltd is expected to take over the management of the Kingstown Fish Market in about four months time, and last week exported 36,000 pounds of seafood to Miami, the largest recorded shipment to ever leave these shores.  Minister Caesar said he has been advised by Bequia Seafood Ltd that they have gone into a joint venture with several companies in the United States (US), one of which is in Brussels, speaking to the EU to address the issue of our IUU red card.

“So, you are seeing the private sector coming on board not only to bring capital, but they are also bringing their expertise as to how we can enhance our regulatory framework for us to improve our compliance with international law and international standards,” Caesar noted.The Minister also praised Bequia Seafood Ltd for the export initiative.“Prior to the opening of the Argyle International Airport these opportunities were just not available because we had to take the fish from St Vincent and the Grenadines to Trinidad and Tobago and there was a layover period and there were many investors who attempted it and they incurred significant losses,” said Caesar.

Last year when this country landed on the EU’s IUU radar, we were given several things that needed to be done to get off the negative list. The requirements included being able at all times to verify what is being caught by the vessels that fly the flag of SVG and landing the seafood in SVG, instead of Trinidad and Tobago.