Français
When he left the Territorial Committee for Fisheries and Aquaculture (CTPA), he was serving as its president. Upon his return, Jordan Laplace resumes the same position he held a few months after the organization was founded in 2022. “Coming back wasn’t necessarily a goal, but it’s important to uphold the agreements made with the Territorial Collectivity and the CEM (Multiprofessional Economic Chamber),” explains Jordan Laplace. “Fishing is one of the last artisanal trades on the island. ” He has therefore chosen to recommit himself to leading the Committee, with a clearly defined agenda and objectives already in place.
The marine station has been closed for four months
As a first step, the new president, who is taking over from Rudy Aubin, announces that the CTPA board must strengthen its institutional relationships with the Territorial Collectivity, the Territorial Environmental Agency, the Directorate of the Sea, and the CEM. “But we’re not going to spread ourselves too thin when it comes to communication,” he warns. “We’re not here for the image—we’re here to be supported during difficult times.” Such as those experienced over the past four months following the closure of the marine fuel station.
“We’re not complaining,” says the president of the Fisheries Committee. “Since the Sidem accident (the explosion of a buffer tank on June 14, JSB 1670, ed.), the station has been closed. It was put back into service on August 31 but closed again shortly thereafter because the fuel was contaminated. Today, the Collectivité is awaiting the results of sample tests.” In the meantime, fishermen can get fuel at land-based stations. “But not at the prices that were negotiated in the agreement signed with the Collectivité,” notes Jordan Laplace.
This rate was secured following a blockade of recreational and commercial harbors in November 2022 (JSB 1495) by a group of fishermen. The Committee had not been involved in the action on November 21 and 22, which had secured a preferential rate for maritime professionals.
3,000 to 5,000 liters of gasoline per month
On the issue of the marine station, Jordan Laplace notes: “The tourist season is coming, and fishermen have better things to do than run around looking for gas cans. We can’t work like this. ” Especially since, on average, a fisherman needs 3,000 to 5,000 liters of gasoline per month to carry out his work, says the CTPA president. “And besides, it’s all well and good to say that we welcome hundreds of mega-yachts to Saint-Barth, but if they can’t refuel, they won’t stay long,” he adds. “We’re aware that the Collectivité also depends on Rubis, but this has been going on for four months now.”
Unsurprisingly, Jordan Laplace took care to outline all the fishermen’s concerns and other issues with the president of the Territorial Council, Xavier Lédée, who came to meet with the Committee’s new executive board on Tuesday, September 29. “We’ve laid everything out on the table; now we’re waiting for prompt responses from the Collectivité,” says Jordan Laplace. Because there are many concerns.
“Don’t Spread Yourself Too Thin”
One of them concerns the fish market located at Rockefeller Square in La Pointe. An ice machine that isn’t working, a lack of parking spaces… “We’re not going to spread ourselves too thin,” insists the CTPA president. “We’re going to tackle the issues one by one. There will be a specific committee for each point.” ” A meeting with restaurant owners is also expected to be on the agenda for the Committee’s new executive board as it resumes work. “To address various issues, such as importing fish when they can be found on the island,” says Jordan Laplace.
The start of the new term promises to be a very dynamic one for the Fisheries Committee. But it will also be a busy time for the Collectivité and its president, to whom the members of the new executive board will certainly make their voices heard if they do not receive answers to their questions and solutions to their problems.
The Fisheries Committee’s New Executive Board
President: Jordan Laplace
Vice Presidents: Jérémie Questel and Jonathan Gréaux
Treasurer: Morgan Laplace
Secretary: Jean-Noël Gréaux
