The closest event to the annual celebration of Festival Del Mar at Island Harbour so far, was the observance of Fishermen’s Day in Anguilla on Friday, June 28. It was held under the theme “Fishing: a way of life – conserve today, fish tomorrow”.
Apart from bringing members of the public together for a fish fest, the event also had some religious significance. It was in fact a celebration of St. Peter’s Day which is observed in various parts of the world including the Caribbean region.
The Fishermen’s Day celebration was held on the grounds of the Department of Agriculture. The event really commenced in the early hours of Thursday morning, June 27, with fishing competitions at Island Harbour, Sandy Ground and the Cove. Fishermen’s Day on Friday saw an abundance of fish products and food staples on sale at a cluster of heavily patronised tents, manned by vendors from severalareas of the island. The various food stalls turned out to be of much attraction to many persons during the lunch hour in particular.
Deputy Director at the Department of Fisheries and Marine Resources,KafiGumbs, put the event into focus at the opening ceremony. “It was not just to have a big fish fest or party,” she explained. “The event was organised to get fishermen, vendors, the community, businesses and government together to inform the public about the island’s fishing industry, to realise the contributions of fishermen, and for fishermen and the Department of Fisheries and Marine Resources to do something grand together.
“Furthermore, the event was organised to bring about sensitisation of this industry to the general public in an effort to promote sustainability; and, lastly, for us in Anguilla to be part of the few religious celebrations hosted around the world with a focus on the sea. We are celebrating Fishermen’s Day, also known as St. Peter’s Day. The event commemorates two of the twelve Apostles – namely St. Peter and St. Paul. St. Peter, a Galilean fisherman, was a patron saint of fishermen; and St. Paul was the author of three of the twenty-seven books of the Bible. Because of St. Peter’s important profession – that of a fisherman – we are celebrating St. Peter’s Day today and it is centred on the sea.”
Ms Gumbs continued: “Places like Central and South America, Europe, Scotland, Tortola, Jamaica, St Vincent and many other Caribbean islands, celebrate the life of St Peter on the 29th of June. The activities include boat races, fishing competitions, fish parties – boats are blessed by ministers and there are special church services for fishermen. Fireworks and beach bonfires are also carried out to honour St Peter as well as former and present-day fishermen. Anguilla has never had such an event, but we are now launching what we hope can evolve into an annual event so that, like other countries, we can have a special day dedicated to seafarers who have contributed, and continue to contribute, to our culture, economy and, most importantly, our diets.”
Special Adviser in the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources, Sam Webster, lauded the observance of Fishermen’s Day in Anguilla. A well-known fisherman at Island Harbour, he commended a number of other fishermen who were honoured for their contribution to the fishing industry over the years. He pointed out that the annual income from fishing was estimated at some two million dollars – a figure that underscored the importance of the industry to the island’s economy.
The opening ceremony was chaired by Mr Kenneth Hodge, Principal Assistant Secretary in the Ministry of Home Affairs. He joined in commending the staff of the Department of Fisheries and Marine Resources, as well as a number of fishermen, for organising the event.
During the distribution of awards Trivon Smith of island Harbour was named Fisherman of the Year and was presented with a trophy. Several other fishermen received prizes in the fishing competition. Six retired fishermen were awarded certificates. They were Herbert Lake, Evans Richardson, Edwin Carty, Walter Hennis,Theophile Connor and Eugene Harrigan.
