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Improving the quality of life of Fisherfolk by developing a sustainable and profitable industry.
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Representatives of the CRFM, the Antigua & Barbuda Fisheries Division, and the Caribbean Network of Fisherfolk Organisations appear live on Antigua Observer by NewsCo Ltd to take a deep dive into The Power of FAD Technology
🎣📚 CNFO Highlights Community Outreach at New Winthorpes Primary School
Last Friday, 29th May 2026, Mitchell Lay, Program Coordinator of the Caribbean Network of Fisherfolk Organisations (CNFO), visited the Grade 4 class, Teacher: Ms. Jamila King, at New Winthorpes Primary School in Antigua and Barbuda to share his knowledge and experiences in the fishing industry.
During the interactive presentation, students learned about the wide variety of fish species found in Antigua and Barbuda's waters, including tuna, as well as the many types of sharks that inhabit the marine environment. Mr. Lay also discussed the realities of life as a fisher, including safety challenges at sea and the impact of rising fuel costs on the fishing industry.
The visit complemented the students' Social Studies lessons on Cottage Industries and entrepreneurship. By sharing his personal journey and experiences, Mr. Lay encouraged students to think about business ownership, innovation, and the important role that fisheries play in supporting livelihoods and food security.
The presentation sparked great interest among the students, with several expressing a desire to learn more about fishing and even asking their parents to take them fishing so they could gain firsthand experience.
CNFO is pleased to support educational initiatives that connect young people with the fisheries sector and help inspire the next generation of leaders, entrepreneurs, and stewards of our marine resources.
👏 Thank you to the students and staff of New Winthorpes Primary School for the warm welcome, and to Mitchell Lay for sharing his time, knowledge, and passion for the fishing industry.
#CNFO #Fisheries #YouthEngagement #entrepreneurship #AntiguaAndBarbuda #education #fishingindustry #FutureLeaders 🎣🌊🐟📖
🎉🎂🇧🇧 A Tribute to Devon Warner, CNFO Board member from Barbuda on His 60th Birthday 🇧🇧🎂🎉
Sixty years ago, Barbuda was blessed with the birth of a son who would dedicate his life to the service of his people. Today, as Devon Warner celebrates his 60th birthday, we celebrate not only the man but also the legacy of commitment, sacrifice, and unwavering love for Barbuda that he has built throughout his life.
❤️ There are many who speak about loving Barbuda, but few have demonstrated that love through action as consistently and courageously as Devon Warner. For decades, he has stood on the frontlines of the struggles that have shaped our island, defending the rights of Barbudans, protecting our heritage, and fighting to preserve the values and traditions that define who we are as a people.
🌱 From his early days as Chairman of Agriculture in 1998, when Barbuda experienced unprecedented agricultural productivity, to his service as Chairman of Health, where improvements to the Hannah Thomas Hospital benefited the entire community, to his leadership in Works and numerous other areas of public service, Devon has always answered the call to serve.
🤝 His contribution, however, extends far beyond titles and positions. Devon's true legacy lies in his willingness to stand firm when standing firm came at a cost. He has sacrificed personal comfort, endured criticism, faced challenges, and even experienced imprisonment because of his unwavering belief that Barbuda and its people deserved to have their voices heard and their rights protected.
🏆 Many people spend a lifetime pursuing personal success. Devon Warner spent his life pursuing the success and well-being of Barbuda.
💪 His passion for Barbuda cannot be measured by speeches or promises. It can be measured by the battles he has fought, the sacrifices he has made, the countless hours he has devoted to public service, and the generations of Barbudans who have benefited from his advocacy and leadership.
🌴 For Devon, Barbuda has never been just a place on a map. It is his purpose. It is his calling. It is woven into every fiber of his being. It is in his heart, his blood, and his soul.
🎖️ As we mark this milestone birthday, we honor a man who has given so much of himself to his community. We thank him for his courage when courage was required, for his leadership when leadership was needed, and for his steadfast commitment to putting Barbuda first, time and time again.
🇧🇧 Today, we salute a patriot, a servant leader, a defender of Barbuda, and a son of the soil.
🎂 Happy 60th Birthday, Devon Warner, CNFO Board member.
✨ May this day bring you the honor and appreciation you so richly deserve, and may future generations remember your contribution to Barbuda with pride and gratitude.
📖 Your story is forever a part of Barbuda's story, and your legacy will continue to inspire those who follow.
🎉 Happy Birthday, Devon. Barbuda thanks you, Barbuda honors you, and Barbuda celebrates you. 🎉🎂🥳
Through the efforts of the Caribbean Network of Fisherfolk Organisations, we were able to secure grants from WhyHunger and Grassroots International to provide mesh wire, netting, and ropes to the Jamaica Fishermen Cooperative Union as part of relief support for our members in Jamaica who were affected by Hurricane Melissa last year.
President of JFCU, Shawn Taylor, is distributing the supplies to the different communities this week.
CNFO board member Mr. Pamashwar Jainarine of Guyana hosting the World Forum of Fisher Peoples from 1-4 May 2026 to discuss issues relevant to the Latin America and the Caribbean region.
The Caribbean Network of Fisherfolk Organisations (#CNFO), through its Leadership Institute, in close collaboration with the Caribbean Natural Resources Institute (#CANARI) and fisheries stakeholders across the Caribbean, successfully convened some virtual regional sessions focused on the Ecosystem Approach to Fisheries (EAF) and ecosystem stewardship in the Caribbean.
The session brought together fisherfolk and key stakeholders from across the region for a dynamic learning experience, including presentations, group discussions, and peer-to-peer exchanges facilitated with support from CANARI. Participants engaged on key issues such as climate change impacts on small-scale fisheries, sustainable fisheries governance, community-led stewardship approaches, and strengthening regional cooperation.
Training Modules Overview
#Module 1: Intro to EAF & ALG – Mr. Kerton Jobe (7 Aug 2025)
#Module 2: Ecosystem Health
Dr. Dayne Buddo (4 Sep 2025)
Ms. Orisha Joseph (16 Oct 2025)
#Module 3: Sustainable Fisheries & Livelihoods
Mr. Tylon Joseph (6 Nov 2025)
Saint Lucia Peer Exchange – Mr. Mitch Lay (4 Dec 2025)
#Module 4: Governance & Policy (EBFM) – Ms. Sanya Compton (CRFM) (22 Jan 2026)
#Module 5: Climate Change & Fisheries
Dr. Shelly-Ann Cox (5 Feb 2026)
SVG Peer Exchange – Mitchell Lay (12 Mar 2026)
Dr. Legena Henry (7 May 2026)
This initiative was convened under the Advancing the Ecosystem Approach to Fisheries (EAF) project, which is funded by the Caribbean Biodiversity Fund and co-financed by the International Climate Initiative (IKI) of the German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Nuclear Safety and Consumer Protection through KfW. Learn more here: canari.org/projects/advancing-ecosystem-approach-to-fisheries/
#EAF #Fisherfolk #Caribbean #LatinAmerica #ClimateResilience #SustainableFisheries #CANARI #CNFO #ALG #SmallScaleFisheries
🌸 Mother’s Day Spotlight – Celebrating Women in Fisheries 🌸
This Mother’s Day, May 10th, 2026, CNFO proudly recognizes an exceptional woman whose dedication has helped shape the fisheries sector in Saint Lucia and the wider Caribbean — Miss Petronila Polius.
In a field historically dominated by men, Miss Polius broke barriers and set new standards. Joining the Department of Fisheries in 1993, she rose through the ranks with determination and excellence to become:
✨ The first woman Fisheries Extension Officer in Saint Lucia
✨ The first woman Head of the Fisheries Extension Unit
Her leadership has strengthened the connection between fisheries authorities and fishing communities, improving communication, empowering fisherfolk, and advancing sustainable practices.
Beyond national borders, she has represented Saint Lucia with professionalism at regional and international levels, earning respect across the Caribbean for her expertise, collaboration, and commitment.
As a mother figure in both family and community, Miss Polius exemplifies resilience, leadership, and service. Her journey highlights the vital role women play in building sustainable and inclusive fisheries.
💙 Today, we celebrate her achievements and all women in fisheries who continue to lead, inspire, and transform our communities.
#MothersDay2026 #WomenInFisheries #CNFO #CaribbeanFisheries #GenderEquality #BreakingBarriers
The #CNFO is participating in the World Forum of Fisher Peoples (#WFFP) Latin America and the Caribbean Meeting being hosted by the Guyana National Fisherfolk Organisation from 1st to 4th May in Georgetown #Guyana.
CNFO's April 2026 Fisherfolk Net!
Fisherfolk Net April 2026 - Caribbean Network of Fisherfolk Organisations
cnfo.fish
Fisherfolk Net April 2026Share: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 Nembhard...#BelizeRegistration is now open!
The Executive Secretariat of the Central American Agricultural Council (SECAC) invites you to participate in the Training Workshop: Transforming Fish Skin into Sustainable Leather and Its Use for the Production of Handicrafts, aimed at rural women, youth, and local stakeholders from Belize’s marine-coastal territories.
📍 Location: Sarteneja, Corozal, Belize
📅 Start date: April 22, 2026
✅ Requirement: If possible, participants should bring one fish skin with scales obtained from a non-protected species and in full compliance with applicable fisheries regulations.
During this workshop, participants will learn practical techniques in:
✅ fish skin transformation
✅ handicraft production
✅ entrepreneurship
✅ environmental sustainability
This initiative is being carried out within the framework of the SICA AZUL project and seeks to strengthen capacities to promote learning, innovation, and local development.
🔗 Register here: forms.gle/V8Ls3Uu4g3Zpv3m49
Be part of this experience of learning, innovation, and local development!
From the Basseterre Fisheries Complex to the Old Road Fisheries Complex, fishers continue to highlight the importance of the support provided to strengthen the sector.
Access to essential resources such as duty-free concessions on fishing gear and equipment plays a critical role in improving operations and sustaining livelihoods.
The fisheries complexes also serve as key points for the public to purchase fresh, local fish, supporting both fishers and national food security.
A direct look at how ongoing support is making a real difference within the fisheries sector.