He appeared on Immediate Response with Darrold Miller trying to arrest concerns raised by Androsians that a fleet of Korean fishing boats were on the island ready to deplete the local reef’s lobster and conch economy.
There are reports also claiming that a Bahamian company owns the Korean vessels and will begin fishing with Bahamian crews shortly.
Mr. Gray briefly discussed the Government’s policy with regard to foreign fishermen and Bahamian companies.
“I will not go further to say what the future of these 15 boats and the Bahamian business men will be, but unless they can turn whatever they have into a Bahamian business, they will not get the required Government approval.”
Mr. Gray said he was not saying that a Bahamian business could not be involved in a business with a foreigner in the fishing business. But rather “the government has stated its policy on that. Fishing in The Bahamas is reserved for Bahamians.”
The minister also said Bahamians would not be dissuaded from purchasing a fishing vessel from someplace outside of the country, “But he (a fisherman) cannot become a partner with any foreign entity in the fishing business. He could sell to them.”
“Mr. Gray you need to check out what is going on around this country sir,” Mr. Miller said, as he noted that Sidney Stubbs, chairman of BAIC, made various comments when he appeared on the show Monday.
The minister stressed that he was putting forward the Government’s position and was not aware of the remarks made by Stubbs.
Mr. Miller said certain arrangements with fishermen were going on in other communities like Mangrove Cay. “Well I hope you are wrong,” Mr. Gray replied.
When Mr. Stubbs was called to comment on the matter, The Guardian was told he would be out of office for the remainder of this week.
In June, local fisherman, Kendal Carroll, who fishes off the Great Bahama Bank, made complaints to this paper of Dominican poachers not only depleting Bahamian fishing resources, but also threatening local fishermen in the process.
His fears are mirrored by other local fishermen, who feel that fishing in Bahamian waters should be left to Bahamians.
By Jimenita Swain, The Nassau Guardian
