While preliminary works began on the Praslin Jetty mid-March, the sod-turning ceremony for the project was held on Wednesday, April 3rd, 2024.

Micoud North MP, Hon. Jeremiah Norbert highlights the contribution of Micoud fishermen over the years, adding that they have been neglected due to poor leadership.

Being Norbert’s first term as their representative, he assumed the role after successive UWP representation. He says under his stead, the fishermen will receive the voice they’ve been denied for decades.

“Despite the contribution that they have made to the economic development of Saint Lucia. We cannot run away from the fact that they have faced decades, decades of neglect when it comes to fishing infrastructure,” the MP said.

Norbert also noted the teething issue of sargassum in the waters off the Praslin coast. While the country has agro-processors who make beverages and other health-centred foods with the seaweed, the high prevalence in the water destroys vessels and hinders successful catches.

This issue, he says, is front of mind.

“To make matters worse, the recent sargassum problem. When I pray, there's one thing I light my candle for and that is for the clearance of the sargassum. Praslin and Micoud have been plagued, and if you look at fishing communities, I think Micoud North is the worst affected when it comes to [that] issue,” he says.

The MP says he lends his ear to the fishermen as their livelihoods are greatly affected.

“We have to pay attention to the voices of the persons who are directly impacted by a project. We have to pay attention to these individuals when we try to help them.”