Fisheries Officer Leslie Straker is satisfied with this year’s Fisherman’s Day activities. He noted increased participation compared with last year and higher catches overall. Fourteen more boats entered this year, and the total catch went to 62,410 pounds in contrast to 36,557 the previous year.

Starker noted a “scale back” in the number of sponsors of the activity.{{more}}

Straker’s views were echoed by Minister of National Mobilisation, Social Development, NGO Relations, Family, Gender Affairs and Persons with Disability Mike Browne, in the role of Acting Prime Minister.

Browne noted the tendency of catching undersized fish and warned fishermen to ensure preservation of the stocks.

Browne referred to the matter of Vincentian registered vessels and their value as revenue earners. He stressed the significance of greater collection of fees.

For the Acting Prime Minister, the issue of safety at sea was paramount. Browne’s Cabinet colleague, Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Minister Montgomery Daniel cited expanded markets with the Caribbean Single Market and Economy.

In the beach seine competition, Randolph Lewis with 1417 pounds of fish collected $1,500 for the heaviest catch. Kendol Douglas in the boat Sweeper earned $1,000 for second spot, and Alban Michael got $800 for third.

Beverly Samuel with 21 pounds beat Orla Matthews into second place in the bid for female honours. Samuel earned $100, while Matthews got $75.

Keon Morris with 19 pounds secured $100 for the heaviest catch in the Junior competition, overcoming challenges from Ronell Michael second and Elvin Michael third.