The Honorable Gregory Bowen
Minister of Agricultural Lands and Fisheries
Prime Ministers Office
Ministerial Complex
Botanical Gardens
Tanteen
St.George's

Dear Mr. Bowen

I write to you sir, in my capacity as President of the Soubise Fishermen Cooperative Society, with respect to the sudden and drastic increase in the price of petrol with the expectations of an eminent further increase.

You would no doubt appreciate that this increase will adversely affect fishermen nationwide and in particular the fisheries cooperative that I represent. Furthermore, unless immediate, remedial steps are being taken by the government to alleviate the impact of the increase of the price of fish to the ultimate consumer, Grenadians would be saddled with an unprecedented price increase per pound for fish of all species and categories.

I reckon that the public may be forced to pay anywhere from $8 to $10 dollars per pound for fish, it is therefore a matter of urgent and pressing necessity that the government intervenes to aid or subsidize the price of petrol to fishermen throughout the nation.

I seek to remind you, that sometime during the tenure of the PRG that Government granted a rebate to fishermen in the sum of 82 cents per gallon, that rebate still obtains today, however, in light of the recent increase, the government is invited to clarify the situation with respect to their continued rebate, however, the rebate would have to be increased having regard to prevailing circumstances.

It is the considered opinion of the Soubise Fishermen Cooperative Society that 82 cents per gallon rebate is no longer relevant or tenable and would have no significant impact on the price of petrol to fishermen at this time.

In light of the prevailing circumstances we are suggesting two alternatives to the government:

(a) That across the board duty free concession be afforded to all fishermen, or

(b) A $3.00 rebate on cost per gallon be granted.

It is the feeling of the Soubise Fishermen Cooperative Society that without some considerable assistance from the government, the price of fish per pound would be almost prohibitive and beyond reach of the Rural Grenadian and therefore recognizes that the Minister of Cooperatives is mandated to ensure that this sector functions smoothly and productively.

I have taken the liberty of providing him with a copy of this letter.

Fish in the Grenadian diet is indispensable to the good health of every growing man, woman or child and therefore we the members of the Soubise Fishermen Cooperative Society sincerely hope that your Ministry would give serious consideration to our proposal.

Thanking you for your courtesy and co-operation.

Yours faithfully,

Clarence Rapier
President
Soubise Fishermen Cooperative Society