Government of Jamaica
The National Fisheries Authority (NFA), in partnership with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), has successfully concluded a transformative post-harvest training programme valued at $6.6 million that is aimed at enhancing the quality, value, and marketability of Jamaica’s fishery products. The three-month pilot programme saw over ninety fisherfolk from six fishing beaches across the island undergo comprehensive training in post-harvest practices, including immediate handling after the catch, sanitation, primary processing, and techniques to deliver a superior product to consumers.
The initiative culminated in a dual-purpose ceremony held on March 18 at the NFA’s sub-office at Pagee Fishing Beach in Port Maria, St. Mary, where participants received post-harvest certificates of completion alongside equipment valued at approximately $3.7 million. The equipment package included igloos, stainless steel tables, knives, scrapers, and hairnets; all tools designed to support the practical application of the skills acquired.
The Honourable Floyd Green, MP, Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining in his address stated that one of the ways in which the Government, with the support of JICA is addressing the inadequate handling of fish immediately after catching is through the post-harvest training.
“We want to ensure that you are providing to our people, the highest quality fish and you are able to get maximum market value,” expressed Minister Green.
He also noted that, “We will be paying keen attention to see you apply what you have learned. We want to see the improved post-harvest practices from our vendors and fishers, improved quality and market value and we want to see you pass on the skills and knowledge that you have learned.”
The key fishing communities that benefitted from the training are Greenwich Town and Kingston Fishing Complex; Hunt’s Bay and Old Harbour Bay, St. Catherine; Lances Bay, Hanover; Whitehouse, St. James; and Pagee, St. Mary.
Atsushi NAKAGAWA, Resident Representative of the JICA Jamaica Office, in his remarks highlighted the importance of post-harvest practices in ultimately increasing the value of fishers’ hard work.
“Improving fisheries is not only about increasing catch, but also about ensuring quality, sustainability, and resilience along the entire value chain.”
As part of JICA’s technical cooperation, the agency assigned a Fisheries Expert to the NFA and contracted a Food Safety Consultant, Allison Richards, to support the implementation of post-harvest quality improvement seminars.
Shingo TAKAHASHI, Fisheries Expert, JICA Jamaica Office, who provided insight into the programme’s strategic focus noted that, “The purpose is to look at Jamaica’s fisheries sector, noting gaps and providing critical areas that the Japan government, through JICA, can work with the NFA to support.”
The training programme also incorporated the food handlers’ training and tests, which David Rowe, Veterinary Public Health Inspector from Hanover, noted would have direct benefits for the fisherfolks’ businesses.
“The food handlers training is critical for the fish vendors and fish handlers as it helps them to understand public health standards and also to attract more customers, and it makes good business sense for them,” said Rowe.
Ayako Iizumi of the Japanese Embassy also attended one of the training sessions and highlighted Jamaica’s potential within the sector and Japan’s commitment to quality assurance.
“Jamaica as an island country has a lot of potential in the fisheries sector. I believe that quality assurance and quality control is a necessary part of delivering fresh fish to the market. That is why JICA and the Japanese Government is supporting the training,” mentioned Iizumi.
The pilot project has demonstrated itself to be a scalable model that can be replicated across additional fishing communities islandwide and forms part of the National Fisheries Authority’s recovery and reconstruction efforts following Hurricane Melissa.
