Monday, March 12 2012

The Seafood Industry Development Company Limited (SIDC) has launched its first ever essay competition for the young people of Trinidad and Tobago.

The aim of the competition is to raise awareness amongst young people – and the adults upon whom they have influence – on the issues that affect fish and other seafood in Trinidad, be it care and handling or wholesaling and retailing of fish.

The competition runs from March 8 to Wednesday April 4 and is open to young people between the ages of 8 to 17. There are three topics for discussion for three different age groups:

Age group 8-11: Why should I eat fish? (150-200 words)

Age group 12-15: Good quality and poor quality seafood: Ways to recognise the difference. (500-750 words)

Age group 16-17: From Hook to Cook: Best practices for seafood vending. (600-700 words)

A total of $18,000 in prize money will be distributed amongst the first, second and third prize winners in the competition.

Submissions can be sent online to info@sidctt.com or can be delivered to the SIDC offices at 6 Bejucal Extension 1, Uriah Butler Highway, Charlieville, Chaguanas. Further information can be found on the SIDC website www.sidctt.com or call 665-0751/672-3427.

The SIDC was established in 2006 by the Government of Trinidad and Tobago and operates under the aegis of the Ministry of Food Production, Land and Marine Affairs. Its flagship project is the modernisation of the value chain as it relates to the seafood industry in Trinidad. This involves various interventions along the chain, from the point when the seafood lands on the shores to its processing, sale and use in the home.

Amongst its other projects, the SIDC will be undertaking the management of various fish landing sites in Trinidad so as to establish international best practices that will aid in the development of the local fishing industry and enhance the seafood experience for the fish-loving public in Trinidad. The company is also exploring the issues relevant to aquaculture development in this country.