Roberts nets the Fisherman of the Year 2012 title

Ellis Roberts is the Fisherman of the Year 2012. Roberts, captain of the boat Slip Away, owned by Winston Edwards, walked away with a 75 Horse Power 2 stroke outboard engine among other prizes,{{more}} during the prize giving ceremony on Fisherman’s Day, Monday, May 28.

Roberts, during Monday’s competition, caught 512 pounds of fish. Venol Lewis, captain of “In God We Trust”, had the second heaviest catch of 387 pounds, while Randolph Layne had the third heaviest catch of 337 pounds.

Winston Hazelwood also walked away with a 9.9 outboard 4 stroke engine, along with other prizes for the heaviest catch in the Class 2 category. Hazelwood, captain of the boat Fish Finder, secured 155 pounds of fish. The second heaviest catch went to Winston Johnson, captain of “Bless Me,” who caught 111 pounds of fish, while Julian Bradshaw had the third heaviest catch with 102 pounds.

Prizes were also given to students who won in the poster and essay competitions, which were part of the Fisherman’s Month activities. Muskaan Ranjani of the Girls’ High School won the poster competition, with Dillon King of the West St George Secondary placing second, while Shian Mcfee placed third.

Meliny Hoyte of the Spring Village Primary won the poster competition in the primary schools category. Tyrese Oliver of the Brighton Methodist School and Fidel Baptiste of the Sunshine Preschool placed second and third respectively.

Volton John from the Barrouallie Secondary School won the Essay competition, while Jason Humprey of the North Union Secondary School placed second.

Minister of Agriculture Forestry and Fisheries Saboto Caesar, speaking of the importance of the fishing sector at the event, stated that fisheries will play a very important role, if St Vincent and the Grenadines is to reduce its food import bill.

Caesar added that the issue of Marine Mananagement and conservation must be discussed, further stating that the tourism sector will also play an important role with the management of marine resources.

Chairman of the Fisherman’s Day committee Winfield Tannis stated that technology plays a significant role in the development of the fishing industry. Tannis added that the government of

St Vincent and the Grenadines and Ifrima recently deployed two devices in the waters of St Vincent, which makes it easier for fishermen and women to catch fish.

Also making remarks, Minister of Health Clayton Burgin endorsed fish as the healthier food, for a healthier lifestyle. He further stated that being a fisherman or woman should not be considered as less of a career, but should be highly considered, due to the consumption of fish, and the value of fish to our health.

The event also featured remarks by Chief Fisheries Office Raymond Ryan and Permanent Secretary Nathaniel Williams, and performances by Urban Expressions, Imani Preschool, Shaunelle McKenzie and an appearance by the Miss SVG Contestants.(OS)