Fish processing component removed from food complex

The government has removed the fish processing component from the planned food processing complex at Paraquita Bay, citing budget constraints.

Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley announced the change during a recent House of Assembly sitting and confirmed that fisheries development will instead be pursued through an expanded facility at Baughers Bay.

“Due to budgetary constraints, we have removed the fish processing component,” Wheatley stated. “We will be expanding the scope of the fish landing site planned for Baughers Bay to a full fisheries complex,” he added.

Dr Wheatley explained that the public misunderstood the original plans. It was never intended for fisherfolk to land their catch at Paraquita Bay. “The catch would have been landed at various sites throughout the Virgin Islands, which would be the primary places the fisherfolk would be engaged,” he clarified.

The scaled-down Paraquita Bay project will now proceed without the fish processing feature. The final design for the revised food processing complex is expected by the end of July 2025, with construction targeted to begin in October and continue into 2026. Before work began, the Premier promised that stakeholders would be informed of the revised scope.

Meanwhile, plans are underway to upgrade the Baughers Bay location into a modern fisheries complex capable of handling the services previously delivered at the now-destroyed facility. The Premier said the complex will offer the same services previously available, including access to fuel, ice, and sales opportunities for fisherfolk.

Regarding funding, Dr Wheatley noted that money originally budgeted for consultancy and assistance under the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries has been transferred to the Premier’s Office. These included $130,000 for technical support and $136,521.86 for assistance to farmers and fishers. A new grants policy is being finalised.

“We are aiming to have the policy submitted to Cabinet by the end of this month, following which we will issue the requisite notices,” he stated.

The previous fish processing facility at Baughers Bay was destroyed, and fishermen have been without a central hub for nearly eight years. The government now intends to re-establish that infrastructure in the same general area but not at the exact former site, which has been earmarked for expansion by the BVI Ports Authority.

Dr Wheatley assured that the government remains committed to supporting farmers and fishers and plans to launch the grant programme in the third quarter of 2025.