The Department of Fisheries and Marine Resources in Anguilla has fulfilled the first half of its mission statement with the celebration of the second annual St Peter’s/Fishermen’s Day on Saturday, June 28.
This is according to Ms Kafi Gumbs, Director of Fisheries and Marine Resources, while delivering an address on the above occasion. She credited that achievement to the well-trained, motivated and committed staff members who effectively manage and promote the sustainable used of Anguilla’s fisheries and marine resources. “That is exactly what we need to put the Department of Fisheries and Marine Resources further on, and to improve the fishing industry in collaboration with the fishers.”
She explained that Fishermen’s Day was about honouring and recognising all local fishermen who have contributed, and were continuing to contribute, to the economic and social development of Anguilla. “Local fishing is important because of its contribution to the GDP with the last statistics update being roughly 1.2 percent,” she went on. “Local fishing is vital to food security, reducing imports and increasing exports, raising the standard of living and improving the livelihoods of local fishers and providing unique cuisine.”
Meanwhile, Permanent Secretary, Ms Aurjul Wilson, said in part: “The Ministry of Home Affairs and the Department of Fisheries and Marine Resources, with the support of the fishers and the business community, intend to continue to make Fishermen’s Day a grand annual event to showcase the contribution of fishing to Anguilla.”
Reverend Lindsay Richardson, speaking on behalf of the Anguilla Fishermen’s Cooperative, also emphasised the importance of the fishing industry. He was pleased to announce that the industry was contributing up to twenty million dollars a year to the economy.
Fishermen’s Day began early on Friday morning, June 27, with fishermen leaving Cove Bay, Road Bay and Island Harbour Bay to participate in a fishing competition in various categories.
Special Awards were presented to the following fishermen: Fisherman of the Year: Oliver Hodge of The Farrington; and Catch of the Year: Morris Hughes of Cove Bay. They were each sponsored by ANGLEC and were recipients of dinner for two certificates at Madeariman and Flavours Restaurants respectively.
In addition, six retired fishermen were honoured with fruit baskets and a plaque. They were Thomas “Ben Ben” Smith of Island Harbour; Austin “Bennie” Connor of Blowing Point; George Oventon Adams, who fished at The Forest; Clarence Alfred Richardson, who fished at Cove Bay; the late Alwyn Jeremy “Palenty” Hodge, who fished at Crocus Bay; and the late Ivor “Dove” Carty of Road Bay.
There were also essay and poster competitions – for schoolchildren – based on the 2014 Fishermen’s Day theme “Fishing: a way of life in Anguilla: Conserve today, fish tomorrow.” The essay competition was for students of all of the public primary schools grades 4-6; and the poster competition was held in two categories: grades K-3 of the above schools and the students at Zenaida Haven and WISE. The winners of the competitions received EC$100 and lunches from the sponsors.
