Prime Minister Allen Chastanet says he has apologised to fishers over when he described as the ‘abrupt’ one-week suspension of fishing licenses.
The fishers are due to go back to work on Thursday.
The suspension of the licenses was intended to assist in halting the spread of COVID-19 by preventing the illegal entry of people into Saint Lucia from neighbouring Martinique.
Martinique is currently on lockdown as cases of the virus continue to rise there.
“I have apologised to the fisherfolk because there probably should have been an immediate consultation with them,” Chastanet said of the decision to implement the one-week license suspension.
Addressing reporters Tuesday after a second round of talks with fishers, the PM said the gathering, which also included the police and other stakeholders, looked at the matter in a holistic way.
“I am very satisfied that we were able to come to a consensus on the best way forward,” he stated.
A Government Information Service (GIS) release on the meeting indicated that acknowledging the importance of the fishing sector, its contribution to the local economy and food security, Government has decided allow fishers to resume their trade, but only between the hours of 4 a.m. and 7 p.m. daily.
Captains or owners of fishing vessels must share information on the vessel with the Marine Police, while the Vigie Lighthouse must also be furnished with all relevant information when a vessel is leaving port.
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