Sept. 28, 2006 – Fishermen are now forced to do business with nearly a half dozen different agencies and divisions of the Virgin Islands Government simply to get a business license.
"I am working on a plan to institute something akin to "one stop shopping"," Donastorg said. "When we force a small business owner like a fisherman to spend all day, or even two days, in pursuit of something as simple as a license, we are taking money out of his pocket. The present system is a real disservice to fishermen."
Donastorg met with Fishermen Wednesday night at the Frenchtown Community Center. He extended an invitation to all the island's fishermen in order to hear their concerns and to discuss his plans for improving the industry.
He said that local fishermen face the same problems of other small business owners, such as a lack of affordable health insurance, which must be addressed.
"I don't understand why the Administration has not acted to better assist Fishermen when many of their problems are relatively straightforward," Donastorg said. "For example, we made some calls to Tortola yesterday and the BVI Government is amenable to granting USVI fishermen licenses all that is required is some negotiation on the part of the Administration."
Donastorg said stronger land based environmental regulations must be put in place to protect the Territory's waters.
"Erosion is a much greater threat then our local fishermen could ever pose," he said. "The fishermen want our natural resources protected because they rely on these resources for their livelihood. We are in agreement that this Government must do more to enforce environmental laws and to protect our sea and offshore cays."
The Senator said that local fishermen must enjoy the same rights as their Puerto Rican counterparts.
"The is no reason or justification why our Territorial Waters only extend out three miles and Puerto Rico gets nine miles," Donastorg said. "These kinds of inequities must be addressed on behalf of all Virgin Islanders. I have proven my ability to amend the Organic Act and I can do it again."
Donastorg said it is essential to develop a new fishing center, where fishermen can clean and sell their catch.
"We need a central location with proper equipment and maintenance that is available to all fishermen, including those on the Northside who have no facilities at this time. The Administration must start developing this industry as it is part of our economy and our culture."
