‘A Future for Me in the Fishing Industry’

Sixty-five students, aged 13 – 18, from 24 secondary schools and 35 communities have graduated from the Fisheries Summer Programme.{{more}} The closing ceremony took place on Friday, August 20, at the Fisheries Division Conference Room and included addresses by Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Allan Alexander; and Senior Fisheries Officer Jennifer Cruickshank-Howard, as well as remarks by the sponsors. Attendees were also treated to a cultural package of fisheries folk songs and drama by the students.

The programme was held under the theme “A Future for Me in the Fishing Industry” and was designed to motivate youth to become entrepreneurs and investors in the fisheries sector, and to pursue careers and further education in fisheries related areas. Two batches of students participated in the programme; the first batch attended from July 26-30, and the second batch from August 9-13.

Students were provided with basic hands-on training in navigation and safety, fishing gear and methods, fisheries conservation, and seafood product development. They were also taken on trips to the Owia Fisheries Centre, several beaches, and to the Old Hegg Turtle Sanctuary in Bequia. At the end of the programme, students expressed greater appreciation for marine resources, and many indicated their desire to pursue careers, business opportunities, and further studies in marine related fields.

Coordinator of the programme, Fisheries Officer Rowie Kirby-Straker, said she was pleased with the outcome of the programme, especially the diversity of students who participated. She encouraged the students to become Fisheries ambassadors in their communities.

Commenting on the programme as a whole, Chief Fisheries Officer, Raymond Ryan, stated: “The Fisheries Summer Programme is a way of introducing new entrants into the fishing industry, through a process of sensitization to the various business and career opportunities which exist within the Fisheries sector. As older fishers exit the industy, there is need for youth with improved skill and education to be able to operate in a technologically advanced environment. This will help to ensure the sustainability of the fisheries sector.

The major sponsors of the programme were the National Development Foundation (NDF), Villamar Ltd., Courts (St. Vincent) Ltd., Vinlec, Invest SVG, KP Marine, and Fisherman’s Choice.