Fisheries Headquarters Upgrade On Track for Completion 

By S.Browne. Updated 10:25 a.m., Monday, August 3, 2026, Atlantic Standard Time (GMT-4).

Rehabilitation works at the Fisheries Division Headquarters in Kingstown remain on schedule, with contractor Roy Layne of R&K Construction expressing confidence that the project will be completed within the expected timeframe.

According to information released by the Agency for Public Information (API), the Government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines is investing approximately EC$580,000 to rehabilitate the facility after years of deterioration caused by water intrusion through the building’s rooftop ventilation towers, which resulted in extensive mould and unhealthy working conditions.

Layne said significant progress has been made since work began on the building, which had been affected by damaged ceilings, rust, mould and other deterioration.

“When we entered the building, the ceilings were badly damaged from water, there was rust, mould and extensive deterioration. We removed all of the damaged materials and are now rebuilding the facility from the inside out,” Layne said.

According to Layne, the rehabilitation includes the complete replacement of lighting fixtures, the installation of additional electrical outlets, an upgraded 110-volt power supply, modern electrical conduit systems, repainting of the interior and improvements to the office layout.

The contractor also confirmed that mould remediation forms part of the project and said new ceiling installations will only proceed after the building has been professionally treated and certified safe.

Speaking during a site visit on July 13, Minister of Fisheries, Marine and Land Conservation and Climate Resilience Hon. Conroy Huggins said the project is addressing a longstanding problem that forced Fisheries Division staff to relocate from the headquarters in March 2025.

“We are bringing solutions to a longstanding problem. This project is expected to be completed within six weeks. Even if an additional week is required, we would still be satisfied because of the scope of works being undertaken,” Huggins said.

In a separate interview with SVGTV, Huggins explained that the relocation has disrupted operations within the Ministry of Agriculture, with Fisheries Division employees now working from five different locations.

“My staff, the fishery staff, we are in five different locations and we are all crammed. We actually have staff on a rotational basis where some persons, within the week, have at least a day that they work from home because we cannot contain everybody at the same time,” the Minister said.

He added that the rehabilitation includes replacing the building’s louvre windows with full window systems to improve disaster resilience, reduce moisture intrusion and enhance security.

Huggins said the headquarters rehabilitation forms part of a broader programme of investment in fisheries infrastructure across St. Vincent and the Grenadines. According to the Minister, work is also progressing on a Japanese-funded project valued at more than EC$2 million to replace equipment at the Kingstown Fish Market, while rehabilitation projects are underway at the Chateaubelair Fisheries Centre and the Port Elizabeth Fisheries Centre in Bequia. Plans are also advancing for upgrades to fisheries facilities at Paget Farm, Calliaqua, Owia, Canouan and Union Island, as well as the construction of a fish-processing shed in Mayreau.

Once completed, the refurbished headquarters will accommodate the Minister’s Office, the Permanent Secretary’s Office, the Chief Fisheries Officer, administrative personnel, technical officers and data management staff. According to API, the upgraded facility is expected to provide a safer and more efficient working environment while supporting the continued management and development of St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ fisheries sector.

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