Islanders call for fish market

FISHERMEN and Kokopo’s Duke of York people are in dire need of a fish market.
“Build the market at the Kokopo beach for the convenience of both fishermen and communities,” small boat operator Biasly Kere from Kabatirai, Duke of Island said.
The concern raised by Kere had also been echoed by many community leaders because they felt neglected for so long.
Kere said the fish market should be built so that customers, especially women, could go to the market for their fresh seafood instead of vendors taking the produce to the Kokopo main market.
He said the island needed more development and services to make the locals feel that they were part of the government of the day.
He said the people did not have sufficient land to farm for a living because of land scarcity on the island.
“We can only cultivate our gardens to sustain our families,” he said.
“We have no cash crops like cocoa, copra, coffee.
“Our only means of sustainability and source of income was by selling fish, lime, mat and cooked food.”
Community leader William Pilo said: “Why can’t the Government prioritise us by building at least a fish market or a transit house or rest house for the islanders?
“If only we had the land or some Government support for life skills training or help with opening big markets, then we could then work together to sustain our schools and communities.”