Government Harvester for Sargassum Seaweed Repairing Equipment, Not 'Rotting Away' Confirms Minister Kirk Humphrey

The harvester bought by the government four years ago to clear the sargassum seaweed buildup on the island’s beaches is currently undergoing repairs and not “rotting away”, according to Minister of People Empowerment and Elder Affairs Kirk Humphrey.

Responding to a video, making the rounds on social media, of Democratic Labour Party member Kemar Stuart calling on the government to “tell us why it wasted people’s money in buying a seaweed machine and hid it away at Consett Bay, St John”, Humphrey said on Wednesday that the equipment is “functional” but that parts have been removed for repairs due to corrosion.

He said the government has been awaiting replacement parts since late last year and expects the harvester to be back in operation soon.

Humphrey, who was minister of the blue economy when the government spent nearly $300 000 to acquire the harvester, tractor, and conveyor, acknowledged that there is some rust on the equipment but said it will not prevent the harvester from working.

He told reporters at a news conference called at the St John fish landing site: “We’ve already used the harvester at Oistins and here at Consett Bay, and currently, we have taken out the battery and some other parts because of the corrosion that is associated with . . . when we are dealing with this part of the ocean. Those parts have been sent for repair. In fact, since December/November last year, we were awaiting parts. So the parts will be in very soon, I’m told, and the harvester will continue to be functional.”

He added: “The rust that is on the harvester is nothing that can stop the harvester from [working]. It is a very functional harvester and the parts that have been taken out have only been taken out for repair; it will continue to be a part of our response to the overall fishing industry.”

The minister also highlighted the government’s broader efforts to develop the fisheries sector, including repairing jetties in Oistins, Bridgetown, Speightstown and other areas, as well as improving market facilities.

He said $4.3 million has been budgeted this year for work at Consett Bay, and an additional $5 million for further improvements in Bridgetown.

Humphrey declared that the Mottley administration found a “very underdeveloped” fishing industry on coming to office in 2018.