KINGSTON, Jamaica—A strategic partnership between Jamaica’s National Fisheries Authority (NFA) and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has successfully equipped over 90 fisherfolk with advanced post-harvest handling techniques through a comprehensive $6.6 million training program. The three-month initiative targeted fishing communities across six parishes, focusing on immediate catch handling, sanitation protocols, primary processing methods, and quality enhancement strategies to elevate market standards.
The program culminated in a ceremonial event on March 18 at the NFA’s sub-office in Port Maria, St. Mary, where participants received certification and practical equipment valued at approximately $3.7 million. The equipment package included insulated igloos, stainless steel work tables, specialized knives, scrapers, and protective hairnets—all designed to facilitate immediate implementation of acquired skills.
Agriculture and Fisheries Minister Floyd Green emphasized the government’s commitment to addressing post-harvest challenges through this JICA-supported initiative. ‘We’re ensuring our fisherfolk deliver premium-quality products to consumers while maximizing market returns,’ Green stated, adding that authorities would monitor practical application of these techniques across fishing beaches.
Key beneficiary communities included Greenwich Town, Kingston Fishing Complex, Hunt’s Bay, Old Harbour Bay, Lances Bay, Whitehouse, and Pagee. JICA Jamaica Office representative Atsushi Nakagawa highlighted the holistic approach to fisheries development, noting that ‘quality assurance and sustainability throughout the value chain are equally important as catch volumes.’
The training incorporated food safety certification conducted by veterinary public health inspector David Rowe, who emphasized the commercial advantages of adhering to public health standards. Japanese Embassy representative Ayako Iizumi reinforced Japan’s commitment to supporting Jamaica’s marine sector potential through quality control initiatives that ensure market-ready freshness.