Government Information Service

by Emmanuel H. Joseph
Government Information Service

Fishermen of the Mahaut constituency can now breathe a sigh of relief when they return from their catch. On Wednesday, October 22nd, 2009, the refurbished wharf at Mahaut was handed over to the fishermen there at a short ceremony. The wharf, which previously was in a dilapidated condition, was refurbished by Venezuelan company “Support Marine” at a cost of One hundred and eight thousand East Caribbean dollars (XCD$108 000.00). This forms part of a wider outreach programme of PDV Caribe (Petro Caribe) Dominica to the Mahaut Community.

Hon. Minister for Housing, Lands and Telecommunications under whose purview Petro Caribe falls cited that the refurbished landing state in Mahaut is testimony that Petro Caribe’s contribution to Dominica is more than just supplying petroleum products to the island. He went on to list a number of the contributions by Petro Caribe to the constituency.

“Petro Caribe has also been playing its part in the social, cultural and economic development in Dominica. Based on the information I received this afternoon, Petro Caribe has made a number of contributions to a many communities whether it is for village feast, medical purposes or educational purposes. They have donated, over the past year, over one hundred and nineteen East Caribbean dollars (XCD$119 000.00) in support of cultural and sporting activities.”

Hon. Parliamentary Representative for the area and Acting Prime Minister, Rayburn Blackmoore, told the fishermen gathered at the ceremony that they were very fortunate.

“I feel that fishermen in Mahaut are very fortunate. We can recall that just about four (4) months ago, the dangerous condition that the existed with the jetty. Seeing fishermen holding their catch and walking on the wharf like acrobats was a treacherous experience and I prayed that nothing would befall them by way of accident until something was done. Today, to have before you a facility that is totally refurbished is indeed a joy to behold. However, I want to caution you that you must demonstrate ownership of this facility.”

To date, over two point five million (2.5 million) EC dollars have been spent in the constituency of Mahaut inclusive or roads and roadway in Jimmit up to the Petro Caribe facility.