29.MAY.09

by Raymond Ryan

– Chief Fisheries Officer

Firstly, I would like to thank those persons who have given support to the Fisheries Sector over the years and for joining with us to ask for God’s blessing as we celebrate a month of activities. There were no casualties thus far and fish harvest continues to be bountiful.{{more}} Last year, the weather and sea conditions were excellent and we recorded the highest catches, over 6,000 lbs, for any Fisherman’s Day in the history of the event. For this we give God thanks and praises and ask for his continued blessing in this regard.

This year’s theme “Sustainable Fisheries for Food Security” and slogan “Fish Wisely, Increase Prosperity” emphasize the need to enhance the technology utilized in the sustainable production of fish and fish products in St.Vincent and the Grenadines. They also highlight the critical role played by the fisheries sector in the production of food for Vincentians and its significant contribution to our nation’s food security. As you are aware, Fisherman’s Day usually coincides with the feast of St. Peter, the Patron Saint of Fishers and is celebrated within the month of June in most Caribbean Islands. Our month of activities commenced on the 30th of April and will end with a grand finale on 1st June 2009.

Thus far, we have successfully completed two fish “nites” at Barrouallie and Georgetown on the 30th April and 15th May, respectively. We have also completed Japan Day, which promoted Japanese cuisine and culture and was spearheaded by the Japanese Volunteers stationed in St.Vincent and the Grenadines. Japan is an island state like St.Vincent and the Grenadines with a long and strong tradition in fishing and adding value to fish, and it is anticipated that Vincentians would benefit from the long and rich expertise of the Japanese People.

We continue to involve the school at all levels in order to promote interest in the Fishing Industry among our young people and in this regard the schools essay and poster competitions are ongoing. A third fish nite is scheduled for Calliaqua tonight, Friday, May 29th, 2009, and the junior and female competitions would be held on Saturday, May 30th, 2009.

However, we cannot truly have a successful Fisherman’s month of activities without God’s blessing and guidance. We also have to give Him thanks for the many gifts which He has bestowed on us.

We recognize that there are many challenges faced by the fishing industry, especially in recent times with high oil prices, climate change and reducing food supply. We are therefore urging fishers to take Christ in their lives and to make the teachings of God their central focus.

We are also urging fishers to use the better technology as they embark on their dangerous fishing expeditions.