Dominica:Â The Prime Minister of the Commonwealth of Dominica, Dr Roosevelt Skerrit, has updated that the Minister with the responsibility of Fisheries and Blue Economy for Dominica, Jullan Defoe has recently participated in an interview discussing challenges and plans in the industry under the theme of ‘Focus on Government and Development’.
According to the shared updates, Jullan Defoe, Minister of Fisheries and Blue Economy, attended the interview at the studios of DBS Radio on Victoria Street, which was broadcasted live on several social media channels.
In her opening remarks, Jullan Defoe, Minister of state in the ministry of Agriculture, fisheries Blue and Green Economy, with special responsibility for fisheries and blue economy, stated, “I’m happy to be here on Focus on Development.”
While acknowledging the significance of the focus and development drive in Dominica, Minister Defoe added, I’m delighted to be here, but also to begin to extend my appreciation, especially for the people of my area and the police constituency.”
Furthermore, when asked about the future development scope, the Minister of Fisheries pointed out that “it’s an important sub-sector of the agriculture sector. Usually, I want to say that once we speak agriculture, We always mean fisheries, a sub-sector of the agriculture sector.”
Meanwhile, it was also reported that the industry of fisheries does not get much air and light, which resulted in unfamiliarity about the concept among the people. On his part, Defoe noted, I personally am very interested to find out so much more about the fishery sector because, as you rightly said, it is not an area that gets a lot of air place.”
Additionally, the interviewer asked the Minister regarding his journey in the industry and agriculture and fisheries sector so far, to which Defoe replied while sharing the highlights of his journey since starting, “I really don’t like to speak about myself.Â
I belong to the community of Forne, a thriving community in the eighties and nineties. So, it is a sector in which people rely on fishing and agriculture to some extent, mostly in the Bay, bay Leaf, and bay oil industries.
Minister of Fisheries further noted while sharing his life journey from a young kid to joining the ministry, “In terms of profession, at a very early age, I joined the fisheries Division on December 12th, 2000. I know the exact date and time when I joined. So, I had a career responding about 22 years, which I could say I’m very grateful to the government, and it’s not only for the opportunity of a job, but the endless trading I have received.”
He also mentioned his earlier experiences in the industry and stated, “Even going back earlier, I remember in 2007, hurricane Dean, the Fisher Sector was significantly damaged. The government made a significant contribution then and only found out that one year later, in 2008, we had Oracle, which devastated deficient fleet on the West coast.”
