A number of Anguillian fishermen, including some who are deceased, have been honoured for their contribution to the fishing industry and the economy of Anguilla over the years. They were celebrated at the Sixth Annual Fishermen’s Day event at held at Ocean Echo, an Anguillian-owned restaurant, at Meads Bay.
Speaking at the dinner for the awardees on Thursday, June 28, Mr. Fisheries Officer, Mr. Chavez Edwards, of the Department of Fisheries and Marine Resources, said in part: “Fishermen’s Day is celebrated throughout the Caribbean in the month of June. Dating back to Biblical times, the celebration is in honour of St. Peter who was a fisherman and an Apostle of Jesus. This year celebration the fishermen are being treated by the Department of Fisheries and Marine Resources in conjunction with the Anguilla Fisher Folk Association.”
Mr. Othlyn Vanterpool, Ministerial Assistant in the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, congratulated the awardees and commended the Department of Fisheries and Marine Resources for continuing the event over the past six years. “It is something that was overdue for a long time,” he stated. “Our fishermen are very important and it was regrettable that, after Hurricane Irma, we were unable to recognise the fishermen as we would have liked. It is good to see them still fishing after the storm.”
The honoured fishermen are:
• Mr. James Rogers (Jimmy), of Island Harbour, who fished for over forty years travelling on sail and row boats before the introduction of today’s engine-powered boats. His award was accepted by his grandson, Mr. Jagan Hodge.
• Mr. Everette L. Carty, of Sandy Ground, who was born on June 4, 1924.
• Mr. George Romney, of Blowing Point, who fished for over fifty years. His award was accepted by his daughter, Ms. Lillian Carty.
• Mr. Poland Arrindell, of the Forest Bay, who was born on June 20, 1941. His award was accepted his daughter, Ms. Emico Arrindell.
• Mr. Hulio Carty, of Crocus Bay, who was born on March 6, 1932.
• Mr. Ezra Richardson, Cove Bay, who was born on February 19, 1961.
• The Fisherman of the Year was Mr. Keith Harrigan of Island Harbour. The award was presented to him by the Anguilla Development Board represented by Mrs. Althea Hodge.
• Mr. Thomas Rogers of Welches, a fisherman at Island Harbour, was presented with the Hewlette Gumbs Generosity Award, on behalf of the Anguilla Lions Club, by Mr. Renford Kelsick. The late Mr. Gumbs, a longstanding member of that club, was a staunch Anglican, a community worker and Manager of Sol Ltd. He died on November 11, 2017. Thomas Rogers, the first recipient of the award, was adjudged to embody the humility, generosity and love for community of the late Mr. Hewlette Gumbs.
The Department of Fisheries and Marine Resources has acknowledged, with thanks, the following sponsors of Fishermen’s Day: Straw Hat Restaurant; Sunset Homes; Highway Tire Centre; Expand Company Ltd; Paramount Pharmacy; Ken BBQ; Greig’s Trucking; Palmavon Webster; Anguilla Techni-Sales; Fruity Web; Anguilla Development Board; Apex; Lake’s Hardware; J.W. Proctor’s; Ashley & Sons; Zemi Beach House and Resort; and Best Buy.
