The Department of Fisheries and Marine Resources (DFMR) celebrated its third Annual Fisherman’s Day, also known as St Peters Day, on the grounds of the Agriculture Department on Saturday 27 June. This year’s theme, ‘A clean ocean creates a healthy fishery’ was chosen to make people more mindful of their actions and show how what they do impacts the health and availability of the food they eat. According to the Director of Fisheries, Miss Kafi Gumbs, “The reefs in Anguilla, and the rest of the region, are under threat because of pollution coming from sources linked to coastal development such as sewage systems, fertilizers and indiscriminate disposal of household garbage – all of which negatively impacts the habitat of fish and their overall health. We have to recognize the issues and work together in protecting the livelihood of the fisherfolk and our food security.”
In his remarks the Minister of Fisheries, Mr Curtis Richardson, affirmed the Government’s intention “to work with local fishermen to advance the type of tools and technology used, so that they may be able to sustainably exploit the fishing resources that are out there. And, at the same time, establish processing plants which would provide proper storage and required sanitary conditions for international exportation of fish products, as well as diversify the types of fish landed.”
A number of persons were recognized and awarded: retired fishermen, winners of various fishing competitions, and students who won an essay and poster competition. The five top contenders for the fisherman of the year award were Wayne John, Clive Smith, Vaughn R Carty, Trivon Smith and Lofton Carty. The award was won by Lofton Carty of Sandy Ground. The other winners for the fishing competition were: Keith Harrigan (Trawling), Justa Duncan (Pot Fish 1st place), Keith Harrigan (Pot Fish 2nd place), Darren Carty (Spear Fishing Lion Fish 1st place), Rolando Nias (Spear Fishing Lion Fish 2nd place) and Michael Smith (Hand Line). The winners received trophies and certificates as well as a variety of gift items from different sponsors in the business community.
Six retired fishermen were recognized and awarded at the ceremony for their contributions made to the Anguillian economy and culture. They were Hope Webster of Island Harbour, Thomas Hezekiah Gumbs of the Forest Bay/Little Harbour area, John Alexander ‘Elick’ Ritchie of Crocus Bay, Clynton Richardson of Sandy Ground, Rufus Richardson of Cove Bay and Alfred Ambrose Richardson of Blowing Point. Plaques and fruit baskets were received by or on behalf of each awardee.
The Department of Fisheries received 297 essay entries and 105 posters from the primary schools and 5 model fishing techniques from WISE, Zenaida Haven and Pupil Referral Unit (PRU). The Director was happy to note that, “This year’s Fisherman’s Day has educated more than 300 Anguillian children, who are inevitably linked to the fishing industry, and many of whom may even become fishers. There is no doubt that by now they have gained a greater appreciation for the sea around them and for fish and fishing.”
The essay competition, based on the theme ‘A Clean Ocean Creates a Healthy Fishery’, was open to all primary schools grades 4 to 6. The winners were as follows: 1st place – Rhonica Connor – Omololu International School; 2nd place -Kyara Brooks – Adrian T Hazel Primary; and 3rd place – Roman Bahadursingh – Adrian T Hazel Primary. The poster competition was open to grades K to 3. The winners were as follows: 1st place – Hujani Thomas – Valley Primary; 2nd place Jarren Liburd – Orealia Kelly Primary; and 3rd place – Jade Hunte – Orealia Kelly Primary. The prizes for the winners included a combination of monetary awards, lunches at various restaurants and school supplies.
The competition for the best design for model fishing techniques involved the PRU, Zenaida Haven and WISE groups. The winning group was WISE with PRU taking 2nd place and Zenaida Haven 3rd place. The prizes included school supplies and fishing expeditions, to the offshore cays, sponsored by the Department of Fisheries.
The Director of Fisheries thanked the students and fishermen who entered the various competitions, and encouraged the crowd to support the fisherfolk by taking advantage of all offerings in the various booths among which were displays of the students work, information about the fishing industry, fresh fish, cooked fish (in all varieties), local drinks and live music.
