Twenty-five fishermen received loans from the Government of Grenada Fishing Industry Fund on Friday March 14th 2008 totaling $300, 000.00. The presentations were made at a brief ceremony held at the Ministerial Complex.

A total of 1.5 million dollars have already been distributed to the nation’s fishermen under the Fishing Industry Fund (FIF). In addition to the funds distributed under the FIF, a total of $625,000.00 was given as grants to fishermen immediately following the passage of Hurricanes Ivan and Emily.

Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture Mrs. Veda Bruno Victor emphasized the importance of using the loan for the purpose intended and encouraged the fishermen to do their part in ensuring the survivability of the programme. The Permanent Secretary said that the survival of the programme depends heavily on the fishermen themselves who must ensure that they make their loan payments.

Speaking in the capacity of Minister for fisheries, Hon. Gregory Bowen encouraged the fishermen to make use of the many benefits offered by National Insurance Scheme such as the company’s extended coverage benefits.

The Fishing Industry Fund (FIF) was established in 1999. The purpose of the fund is to provide short term and long term loan credit to fishermen to purchase boats, engines, safety equipment and other essential fishing supplies.

Fishermen can now access up to $20,000.00 to help them with their fishing operations.

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