ST. GEORGE’S, GRENADA, MARCH 7- Opposition politician and New National Party candidate Adrian Joseph is sharply criticising the Dickon Mitchell administration’s push to find alternative export markets for Grenada’s fish, warning the strategy could permanently cost the island its lucrative U.S. market.

“Right now, the Government’s suggestion that we should simply shift our focus to other markets such as Canada sounds good politically, but economically it makes very little sense,” Joseph said.

The remarks follow a government press conference this week, during which officials and private-sector partners outlined plans to redirect fish exports to Canada, Guyana, China, and Japan — after the U.S. banned Grenadian fish exports in January 2026.

The ban, enforced by NOAA, stems from Grenada’s failure to adequately protect sea mammals in line with U.S. standards dating back to 2016.

Joseph points to a stark price gap as proof that the strategy is flawed. U.S. buyers pay an average of US$13 per pound, while Canadian buyers pay roughly US$4 per pound — less than one-third the value.

“That is not a small difference,” he said, warning that the shift would mean less income for fishermen, reduced foreign exchange earnings, and a shrinking industry overall.

Joseph also questioned whether any real progress has been made. “The pretense that some grand MOU has been signed or some new development is being shared is very misleading. Nothing has changed for our fisherfolk.”

He further cautioned that pursuing alternative markets risks “losing access to the U.S. market completely.”

Grenada reapplied for U.S. export access in December 2025 after updating its Fisheries Act, passing new regulations, and installing cameras on longline vessels. NOAA has yet to formally respond.

Joseph, who has been conducting consultations with fishing communities across his constituency — where over 1,000 people are affected — will hold his next public session on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, at 6:30 p.m at the Gouyave Fish Market Conference Room.