By Val Matthias. Updated 10:00 a.m., Saturday, October 10, 2026, Atlantic Standard Time (GMT-4).
St Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) is embarking on a five-year plan to strengthen seafood safety, inspection systems and quality standards as the country works towards regaining access to the European Union market for fish and fish products
The move comes following consultations under the Unleashing the Blue Economy of the Caribbean (UBEC) Project.
The four-day consultation, led by seafood sanitary consultant Helder DaSilva from September 21 to 24, formed part of the development of a five-year Seafood Sanitary and Inspection Services Development Plan.
The work follows an earlier visit in June 2026, when assessments were conducted across the fisheries sector, including sanitary controls, legislation, inspection capacity, laboratory services, seafood establishments, landing sites and fishing operations.
During the latest mission, DaSilva held three days of technical discussions with Fisheries officials before a wider meeting involving government and private-sector representatives.
Acting Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Fisheries, Marine and Land Conservation and Climate Resilience, Giselle Myers, said the plan provides a practical strategy for improving seafood sanitary and quality inspection services.
She said it includes an assessment of the existing system, a framework for official controls and a phased approach to implementation.
Myers identified legislative reform, stronger inspection procedures, staff training, improved food-safety controls and reliable monitoring as important areas for improvement.
UBEC Fisheries Specialist Risha Alleyne said the plan provides a roadmap for strengthening the country’s inspection services and competent authority over the next five years.
She said a major long-term objective is to work towards the country’s re-entry into the European Union market for fish and fish products, acknowledging that the process would take time.
Kingstown Fish Market Manager Ezron John said the consultation provided greater clarity on policy and actions that could be pursued over the next six months to two years.
Meanwhile, Caribbean Regional Fisheries Mechanism Programme Manager for Fisheries Management and Development, Dr Maren Headley, said improvements in seafood standards, inspection and traceability could strengthen the country’s competitiveness in international markets.
With the consultant’s final mission completed, attention now turns to implementing the five-year plan, which is intended to improve seafood safety for local consumers while helping prepare the sector for expanded regional and international trade opportunities.
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About the Author: This story was written and submitted by freelance journalist Mr. Val Matthias, a trained communicator with more than two decades in the media sector. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Media and Communication (UWI Mona), a Master of Science in Tourism and Hospitality Management (UWI Cave Hill), a Certificate in Digital Marketing, and has years of broadcast journalism experience rising to ranks of a programme manager. All supporting materials for this story have been presented, vetted, and verified. Mr Matthias can be reached at valmatthias188@gmail.com
