Tufton

The Fisheries Division will be changed into an executive agency in an effort to transform and better regulate the ailing industry, Minister of Agriculture, Dr. Christopher Tufton, announced yesterday.

Dr. Tufton told The Gleaner that the fisheries division, as an executive agency, should take effect within the next parliamentary year.

"This move will be a whole new role in an attempt to improve the operation of the division. To ensure greater accountability and efficiency of the unit," said Dr. Tufton, who noted that the idea was mooted before he took office last September.

If the fisheries division becomes an executive agency, this would amend the Fisheries Act of 1976 that the minister said is outdated.

Dr. Tufton is also proposing the establishment of an advisory board of the Fisheries Division.

Chair of the board

Businessman and fisheries adviser, Richard Sasso, has been named as chair of the board.

The names of another six to eight members will go to Cabinet within another week for approval, said Dr. Tufton.

The fishing industry in the island engages approximately 25,000 fishers, each having their own families.

In addition, there are 187 fishing villages across Jamaica, the mainstay for most coastal towns.