SFA donates new vehicle to SBS |16 July 2022

Minister Ferrari hands over the keys to the new vehicle to Minister Vidot

The Seychelles Bureau of Standards (SBS), specifically the Fish Inspection and Quality Control Unit (FIQCU) under the Ministry of Investment, Entrepreneurship and Industry has received a new vehicle from the Seychelles Fishing Authority (SFA).

The vehicle, a Ford Ecosport worth R567,000, was handed over in a brief ceremony yesterday

at the SFA fishing port at Providence.

Present at the ceremony were the Minister for Investment, Entrepreneurship and Industry, Devika Vidot; the Minister for Fisheries and the Blue Economy, Jean-François Ferrari; the chief executive of SBS, Andy Ally; the chief executive of SFA, Nichol Elisabeth; staff of SBS and of SFA.

Minister Ferrari officially handed over the keys to the Ford Ecosport to Minister Vidot.

The CEO of SFA, Mr Elisabeth, noted that the FIQCU section under SBS plays a critical role in ensuring that the country’s exports are full proof and due diligence.

Minister Ferrari launched an appeal to everyone who has the power to improve the fish inspection unit to do their best.

“We will do what we have to do because it is an important arm in the fishing industry. Without the competent authority there is no export,” he stressed.

Minister Ferrari noted the important work of the people in the section and praised their hard work.

Minister Vidot stated that it was unfortunate the events that occurred around the unit whereby it lost resources due to a fire incident that occurred previously.

She added that her ministry is following the necessary procedures to aid the unit.

She highlighted that the priority is in the fisheries sector and noted that it is a constant battle to get more funds allocated to the department.

The CEO of SBS stated that the ministry and SFA have always assisted his bureau and noted that annually SFA also assists with €10,000 for the FIQCU.

“The money is used to aid the unit with its work throughout the year,” Mr Ally added.

The SFA has also recently given the unit an office at the Providence port to assist the inspectors in terms of work and certification in the area.

The CEO of SFA stated that under the sectoral support fund which is in collaboration with the European Union (EU), annually the SFA receives a minimum of €2.8 million to use in three categories. The categories are capacity building, technical support and infrastructure development. SFA is the administrator of the fund and the CEO noted that where they have the capacity to help the SFA steps up.

The donation amounted to R567,000 for the vehicle and the CEO noted that it is right for the types of terrain staff of the unit visits.

Marla Simeon