Bequia Fish Market Rehabilitation Underway, Completion Set for January 2027 

By S.Browne. Updated 11:03 a.m., Monday, July 20, 2026, Atlantic Standard Time (GMT-4).

Rehabilitation work is underway on the Bequia Fish Market, with the Government aiming to complete the EC$2.1 million project by January 2027 as part of its wider programme to strengthen the country’s fisheries infrastructure.

According to a July 18, 2026 media statement, Minister of Fisheries, Marine and Land Conservation and Climate Resilience Hon. Conroy Huggins provided an update on the project during Fisherman’s Day celebrations in Bequia on Saturday. Prime Minister Dr the Honourable Godwin Friday also attended the event after paying his respects at two funerals on the island.

The Government said work on the Port Elizabeth facility commenced on June 8, 2026. Once completed, the upgraded fish market is expected to provide a safer and more hygienic environment for the handling and sale of seafood, benefiting fisherfolk, vendors and consumers.

The rehabilitation forms part of the Government’s 2026 investment programme for the fisheries sector. In the 2026 Budget Address, Prime Minister Dr Friday announced an allocation of EC$2.1 million for the Bequia Fish Market project, stating that it would provide “a safe, hygienic environment for the handling and sale of fish on Bequia.”

The Budget also outlined several other investments aimed at modernising fisheries infrastructure, including the rehabilitation of the Fisheries Division headquarters in Kingstown, upgrades to blackfish processing facilities in Barrouallie, the construction of new fisheries centres at Lowmans Bay and Shipping Bay, and the rehabilitation of the Owia and Chateaubelair Fisheries Centres through the Volcanic Eruption Emergency Project.

The Government has said these investments form part of its broader strategy to strengthen the fisheries sector through improved infrastructure, expanded commercial opportunities and support for the country’s Blue Economy agenda.

During the Fisherman’s Day celebrations, Prime Minister Friday and Minister Huggins also discussed plans and projects aimed at advancing Bequia’s Blue Economy and supporting the continued development of the island’s fishing industry.

The Government said it will continue working with fisherfolk and fishing communities across the country to build a modern, sustainable and productive fisheries sector that supports employment, food security and national economic development.

END