Senator Oscar George, Minister of State in the Ministry of Community Development, has announced that a fish processing plant will be constructed in Scotts Head to serve fishermen and residents of both Soufriere and Scotts Head.
The facility is expected to provide local fishers with proper infrastructure for handling, storing, and processing their catch, reducing post-harvest losses and improving the quality of fish brought to market. The announcement was made during a community engagement in the area, where the minister outlined the government's commitment to strengthening the fishing industry as a pillar of the local economy.
Fishermen in Soufriere and Scotts Head have long operated with limited shore-side support, often relying on informal arrangements for storage and sale of their catch. The new plant aims to change that by offering a dedicated space where fish can be cleaned, iced, and prepared for distribution, helping fishers secure better prices and extend the shelf life of their products.
The project forms part of broader efforts to modernise Dominica's fisheries sector and support coastal communities that depend on the sea for their livelihoods. Soufriere and Scotts Head, located on the island's southwest coast, are among the key fishing villages in the country, with many households engaged in small-scale fishing and related activities.
Senator George did not provide a timeline for the start of construction or the expected completion date, but indicated that the facility would be developed with the needs of local fishers in mind. He encouraged members of the fishing community to make full use of the plant once it becomes operational and to work together to ensure its success.
The announcement has been welcomed by residents who see the facility as a long-overdue investment in the area's fishing industry. Local fishers have frequently cited the lack of proper processing and storage facilities as a major challenge, particularly during periods of high catch when fish can spoil before it reaches buyers.
The initiative aligns with the government's wider agenda to boost agricultural and fisheries production, enhance food security, and create economic opportunities in rural communities. By improving the infrastructure available to fishers, the plant is expected to contribute to increased income for families in Soufriere and Scotts Head and to support the growth of the domestic fish trade.
Further details on the project, including its capacity and the range of services to be offered, are expected to be announced in the coming months as planning progresses.
