By By: Staff Writer
MONROVIA, Liberia – Liberia on Monday commissioned its first semi-industrial fiberglass fishing vessel, the Sea King, marking what Vice President Jeremiah Kpan Koung described as “a historic step toward self-reliance” and a bold demonstration that national growth depends on empowering citizens—not government payrolls.
Representing President Joseph Boakai at the Mesurado Pier on November 24, VP Koung told fishing communities and development partners that Liberia’s future lies in sectors that create opportunities for ordinary people, not in expanding government jobs.
“This vessel is more than equipment—it is a pathway to jobs, growth, and dignity for our coastal communities,” Koung declared. “Government cannot employ everyone. But we can create the environment for Liberians to empower themselves, and today is a clear example.”
Backed by the World Bank through NaFAA, the Sea King becomes the first semi-industrial fiberglass fishing vessel ever commissioned in Liberia. The VP said the milestone aligns with President Boakai’s ARREST Agenda, emphasizing inclusive development and increased local productivity.
Koung stressed that the vessel’s deployment will strengthen Liberia’s fish production, cut dependency on imported fish, and ensure that “more of the wealth from our waters stays in Liberian hands.”
Fee Reductions for Fisherfolk Announced
In one of the day’s biggest announcements, the Vice President revealed major cuts in annual fishing license fees, effective January 1, 2026—directly responding to long-standing concerns from fisherfolk.
Under the new structure:
- Paddle canoe fees drop from USD 50 to USD 30
- 1–15 horsepower engine canoes fall from USD 250 to USD 175
- 16–40 horsepower engine canoes decrease from USD 450 to USD 350
“For years, our fishermen have been asking for relief,” Koung said. “Today, your voices have been heard.”
He instructed NaFAA to ensure the new pricing is implemented consistently across all coastal counties.
Fisheries as a Priority Sector
Reaffirming that agriculture—and by extension fisheries—remains a central priority of the Boakai administration, Koung called the industry a “low-hanging fruit” for job creation, food security, and private investment.
He praised Liberia’s fisherfolk, noting their contribution to national nutrition: “You ensure that there is always that vital protein on our tables. We salute your service.”
The VP urged that the Sea King be used for training, production, and empowerment, encouraging young Liberians to see fisheries “not as a struggle for survival but a pathway to prosperity.”
Call for Expanded Investment
VP Koung also appealed to development partners, especially the World Bank, to go beyond the vessel support by helping Liberia develop a modern fishing port, expand aquaculture programs, and construct improved artisanal landing sites.
“This sector can and must provide the volume of jobs our country needs,” he said. “With the right infrastructure, fisheries can become a true engine of shared prosperity.”
The ceremony brought together government officials, fishing communities, NaFAA leadership, and development partners, all celebrating what Koung described as a tangible step toward economic independence.
He concluded with a patriotic call:
“Together, we can build a fisheries sector that truly works for the Liberian people. May God bless our fishermen and women, and may God continue to bless the Republic of Liberia.”
