Soufriere MP Emma Hippolyte has highlighted the ongoing challenges local fishermen face due to severe weather events, including the passage of Hurricane Beryl in July, and shared details about regional agricultural initiatives.
Hippolyte spoke about the impact of bad weather on fishermen, stating, “You know our fishermen, especially our fishers in Soufriere, were affected by bad weather.”
She emphasised the need for support, mentioning that the authorities are focusing on compensating registered fishers first.
Hippolyte reported that severe weather affected approximately 50 fishermen, only half of whom were registered.
She urged, “We are calling on those that are unregistered to make sure they are registered within the next two weeks, so that when the Prime Minister writes this check, that they are included, and to receive some form of compensation.”
On the agricultural front, Hippolyte provided updates on the dasheen export initiative from Fond St. Jacques. She reflected on the project’s genesis, stating, “The dasheen project started just over a year ago…when I visited, I was part of a delegation with export Saint Lucia.”
She noted the collaboration with local farmers and the Ministry of Agriculture, revealing that 51 farmers received financial assistance to enhance production. “We had a dasheen festival in Fond St. Jacques where we were encouraging persons to use the dasheen in different ways,” she added.
Regarding cannabis regulation, Hippolyte shared that a draft bill is underway, with plans for public consultation within the next two months. “We really feel we need…to have that conversation in the whole national space,” she said.
She mentioned the establishment of the Regulated Substance Authority (RSA) to oversee cannabis and other regulated substances, with key appointments expected soon.
Red same said the same shyte 3-4 years ago whilst they were protesting at Majorie’s screaming they will kick out cabot… than check it 4 years later RF sold the rest of casenbas for millions and embraced Cabot yes Majorie got a new place so Cabot could move in an kick peoples out even more so,than they have done to each and every neighbor disrespecting them completely and lying to them!!!…. An check it what happened to the vendors in Castries they made such a scene over UWP and the tomato seller man getting busted yet check it instead vendors we have a North Korean communist looking sign of Richard Frederick in their place! S**** check the road to okeu s**** and no leagalization of marijuana!,,,,,,