Fisherman’s Day officially launches today, April 24

THISYEAR MARKS the 49th anniversary of Fisherman’s Day in St Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG), and the organisers are launching the programme of activities today, April 24, 2026, at the Kingstown Fish Market.

The annual event which will culminate on May 25, 2026- Whit Mondayhas as its theme: “Right to Food for a Better Life and a Better Future”, with the slogan, “Healthy Fish, Tasty Dish”.

The committee established to coordinate this year’s activities comprises Winsbert Harry, chairman; Jennifer Cruickshank-Howard, vice-chair; Jullian Fairbairn, public relations officer; Kris Isaacs, treasurer; with Nicholette Thomas as secretary.

Others on the organising committee include the staff of the Ministry of Fisheries, and fisherfolk, a release from the organisers state.

Several sub-committees have also been established to support the successful execution of this year’s events.

“ After careful consideration and in the best interest of fishers,” the organising committee said the celebrations this year will take place in Kingstown at the Agriculture Input Warehouse (AIW), Kingstown Fish Market.

Today’s official launch of Fisherman’s Day will involve a fish product exhibition on the compound of the AIW, and will be followed by a series of activities that will culminate on May 25, 2026. During this period, the various fishing cooperatives will host weekly events,and there will be several fishing competitions.

The following are the fishing competitions: • Class 1 Competition

(48Hp – 150Hp): Fish caught must be predominantly offshore pelagic.

• Class 2 Competition (40Hp and under): Fish caught must be predominantly demersal.

• Class 3 Competition (200Hp and up): Sport fishing.

• Beich Seine Fishing Competition.

• Rowboat Fishing Competition.

• Female Fishing Competition. Spearfishing Competition.

In addition, the organising committee said it will host a Technical Vocational (TechVoc) cooking competition, featuring the five TechVoc Institutes located in Georgetown, Kingstown, Barrouallie, Campden Park, and North Leeward.

This year, winners of competitions held on Fisherman’s Day will receive cash prizes instead of engines, as was previously the case. The fisherman with the heaviest catch from either Class 1 or Class 2 will be crowned Fisherman of theYear.