By Department of Public Relations
The Parliamentary Committee on Fisheries and Marine Resources, chaired by Hon. Neneh Lebbie has visited Bailor fishing community in Lokomasama chiefdom, Port Loko District to get first-hand information regarding the successes and challenges of the fishing sector in that part of the country.
Hon. Lebbie thanked the Bailor fishing community for the warm reception accorded the Committee and spoke on the purpose of the oversight, mainly encouraging fishermen to use the specified fishing nets to supply large catch for market consumption; and warned against the idea of selling our large catch to neighbouring countries for consumption.
Fisheries Inspection Officer attached to that part of the country, Amara Johnson spoke on his duties such as ensuring tax compliance and using the right fishing methods; and praised the military for supporting the marine sector to combat smuggling and preventing fishermen from fishing in prohibited areas.
Speaking on huge tax contribution to the country and complying with the required fishing methods, Master Fisherman, Abubakar Sesay called on Fisheries Ministry to address their challenges including lack of pure drinking water, toilet facilities, cold room and poor road network.
RSM Kellie Marrah spoke on their duties including the protection of the sea.
Representatives of the Chiefs, Youth and Market Women commended Parliament and called on the House to support them to address their outlined challenges.
Climaxing the visitation resulted in the establishment of a committee to immediately address the challenges of the Bailor fishing community.
