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5th November International Women's Day
This is the September 2025 issue of Fisherfolk Net!
If you missed the other editions, you can catch up by visiting the CNFO's website at: cnfo.fish
Fisherfolk Net September 2025 - Caribbean Network of Fisherfolk Organisations
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Fisherfolk Net September 2025Share:ShareClick to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window)Click to print (Opens in new window)Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)Click to share on Skype (Opens in new window)Like this:Like Loading...Nadine Nemb...Internationally acclaimed Jamaican music artist Shaggy arrived in Jamaica with a plane-load of relief supplies to support communities affected by Hurricane Melissa. Mr. Shawn Taylor, President of the Jamaica Fisherfolk Cooperative Union (JFCU), met up with Shaggy.
The two fishing beaches in Discovery Bay (St. Ann, Jamaica) managed by the Alloa Fishermen’s Cooperative (also referred to as Alloa Beach) are Old Folly Beach and Top Beach.
Below are pictures of Old Folly Beach following the passage of Hurricane Melissa.
On Top Beach, Jamaica, Sandra Archer, one of the active woman fishers, recently returned from sea today, 31st October 2025. She reported losing about 15 traps. Fisher women Fay and Crissy are usually present but were not seen today. (Pictured: Ms. Sandra Archer)
When Hurricane Melissa struck Jamaica, Ms. Nadine, a dedicated fisherwoman and secretary of the Alloa Fisherman’s Cooperative in Discovery Bay, faced the full force of nature’s power.
“The roof and windows got damaged, but the greatest blessing is that none of my family was hurt,” she shared. With no electricity, water, or internet, she left her home to find a small pocket of Wi-Fi from a nearby business — one of the few places still offering a signal.
Like many in coastal communities, Ms. Nadine balances life between sea and shore. She owns a boat, though her uncle and cousin do most of the fishing while she runs a small grocery shop. The storm cracked the bottom of her boat, damaged fishing traps and nets, and brought everyday work to a halt. Electricity is not expected to return to her area until mid-November.
Yet even in the aftermath, her spirit remains unbroken. “I’m going to see if I can reach some of the women who go to sea directly,” she said — already thinking of others, already organizing.
- Nadine Earle
(Picture: Alloa Gear Store, Jamaica)
At this year’s GCFI Conference, it was officially announced that the 2026 GCFI Conference will be held in Curaçao! 🇨🇼
CNFO members attended, represented our network proudly, learned a lot, and are ready to share back valuable knowledge with their communities. 💪🏽
As the conference wraps up tomorrow, Friday, October 31st, we wish all participants and delegates safe travels back home! ✈️
#GCFI2025 #CNFO
🌊 Our favorite time of the year is here! 🎣
Join us all month long as we celebrate our vibrant fisheries sector — the people, the passion, and the pride that keep our waters alive! 💙🐟 #FisheriesMonth #SustainableSeas
We share the devastating news that the Treasure Beach Fisherfolk Cooperative in St. Elizabeth has been severely impacted by Hurricane Melissa. (Pictures courtesy, Cooperative President Mr. Shawn Taylor)
News from Treasure Beach, Jamaica
We share the devastating news that the Treasure Beach Fisherfolk Cooperative in St. Elizabeth has been severely impacted by Hurricane Melissa. (Pictures courtesy, Cooperative President Mr. Shawn Taylor)
Marslyn Lewis is a Vincentian entrepreneur, environmental advocate, and community leader whose work bridges business, conservation, and youth development. Born and raised on the Grenadine Island of Union Island, she developed an early appreciation for the ocean and the natural resources that sustain island life. This deep respect for the environment has guided her career and inspired her to champion initiatives that balance economic opportunity with environmental stewardship.
Professionally, Marslyn has built a diverse career with experience in banking, marketing, and restaurant operations management. She is also the founder of Marslyn’s, a growing all-natural health and wellness enterprise that produces high-quality sea moss hair and skin care products, teas, desserts, drinks, and capsules. Her vision is to share the nutritional and medicinal benefits of sea moss with both local and international markets while supporting sustainable livelihoods for cultivators across the Grenadines. Under her leadership, the business has become a model of climate-smart growth, blending traditional knowledge with modern innovation to strengthen resilience in coastal communities.
Beyond entrepreneurship, Marslyn has devoted years to environmental conservation work, advocating for the protection of marine ecosystems and raising awareness about climate change. She currently serves as an executive member of the Sea Moss Association of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, where she works to empower women in developing sustainable sea moss businesses and plays a key role in creating structures for the emerging industry.
A passionate supporter of women and youth development, Marslyn has mentored young people, encouraged them to pursue excellence, and used peer counseling as a platform for building leadership, discipline, and community spirit.
Respected for her integrity, vision, and unwavering commitment to people, Marslyn continues to inspire through her entrepreneurial spirit and community service. Whether promoting sea moss as a superfood, leading environmental initiatives, or motivating women and youth, she embodies a holistic approach to leadership rooted in service, sustainability, and opportunity.