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#CNFO delegation in attendance at the Belize Fishermen Co-operative Association 36th Annual General Meeting.
The Belize Fishermen Co-operative Association (BFCA) successfully convened its 36th Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Monday, 6 July 2026, at the Northern Fishermen Co-operative Society Limited Conference Room, bringing together fisherfolk, government representatives, cooperative leaders, and development partners to reflect on the Association's progress and chart the way forward.
The meeting opened with welcome remarks from Ms. Kimmylee Audinett, followed by the National Anthem and an opening prayer led by Ms. Bernadine Williams. Members then received updates on the work of the Association from Mr. Sydney Fuller, Executive Director, who highlighted BFCA's achievements, ongoing initiatives, and priorities for strengthening Belize's fishing sector.
A financial presentation was delivered by Mr. Hector Torres, Inspector of Records, providing members with an overview of the Association's financial performance and reinforcing the importance of transparency and accountability within the cooperative movement.
Representing the Cooperative Department, Mr. Gareth Murillo, Registrar, addressed members on the role of cooperatives in national development and encouraged continued adherence to sound governance principles.
The Caribbean Network of Fisherfolk Organisations (CNFO) was represented by Mr. Mitchell Lay, Programme Coordinator, who congratulated BFCA on its continued commitment to supporting Belizean fisherfolk.
The AGM also featured a keynote address from Mrs. Nardia Garcia, Chief Executive Officer in the Office of the Prime Minister, who reaffirmed the Government of Belize's commitment to supporting the fisheries sector and recognized the vital role fisherfolk play in ensuring food security, economic development, and the preservation of Belize's rich marine resources.
One of the highlights of the meeting was the presentation of the 2026 BFCA Committee Members, recognizing those who have accepted the responsibility of leading the Association in the coming year. These leaders were representstives of National Fishermen Cooperative, Northern Fishermen Cooperative, Placencia Fishermen Cooperative and Rio Grande Fishermen Cooperative.
As the BFCA moves forward from its 36th AGM, the Association remains committed to promoting sustainable fisheries, strengthening cooperative governance, improving the livelihoods of fisherfolk, and ensuring that Belize's fishing communities continue to thrive for generations to come.
Officially bringing the Caribbean Network of Fisherfolk Organisations (CNFO) 10th Anniversary celebrations to a close with the Lord's Prayer beautifully sung in Garifuna. Thank you to everyone who joined us in celebrating this important milestone. Here's to many more years of strengthening Caribbean fisherfolk together.
CNFO closing ceremony in Belize after celebrating its 10th anniversary over the weekend. #CNFO
Ms. Paula Jacobs is a respected Belizean fisherwoman and community leader from Punta Negra. She is widely recognized for her contribution to the fisheries sector and her leadership within the Belize Fisherwomen Association.
In 2026, Ms. Jacobs was named Belize’s Outstanding Fisher of the Year in recognition of her dedication to responsible fishing. She was also seen at the Placencia Lobsterfest, where she was selling her fudge and coconut oil. Mitch pictured here with her.
Mr. Carlton "Jack" Young, born on 29 July 1940, will celebrate his 85th birthday this year. During our visit to Placencia, Mitchell and Nadine had the privilege of meeting this respected veteran fisherfolk and learning more about his remarkable life at sea through stories shared by his daughter, Lisa.
Over the decades, Mr. Young owned and operated several fishing vessels that reflected different chapters of his life and career. He began fishing with a sailing boat before progressing to an inboard cabin cruiser named Salty Dog. After that vessel was wrecked during a squall on the reef, he later returned to the sea with a dory and eventually acquired a new boat, Ms. Ann, named after his daughter. He also built and operated dugout dories, including Annayance, followed by another vessel named Salvy. Later, he purchased a high-bow boat from Honduras, but it was stolen. Although it was eventually recovered, it was stolen again.
Mr. Young's final fishing boat was a smaller vessel named Survival, which he operated for many years until illness forced him to stop fishing. Sadly, that boat was also stolen in 2022.
Despite these many setbacks, Mr. Young's lifelong dedication, resilience, and passion for fishing continue to inspire generations of Belizean fisherfolk.
Pictured today: Lisa Young, daughter of Jack Young, who lovingly cares for him, alongside Mitch in Placencia, dated 5 July 2026.
What began as a simple self-funded invitation to celebrate the Caribbean Network of Fisherfolk Organisations (CNFO) turning 10 on 28 June became a truly memorable experience.
Thirteen dedicated members took the opportunity to travel to Belize over the 4th of July weekend, and not one of them regretted making the journey.
The first event was a two-day Blue Convergence Fund-supported meeting on climate resilience, held on 2 and 3 July, where members joined together with 12 Belizean fishers to learn, share experiences, and strengthen regional collaboration.
On the evening of 2 July, the delegation enjoyed a lively meet-and-greet through a mobile city tour of Belize City, complete with karaoke, laughter, and delicious Belizean street food.
One of the highlights of the visit was a boat trip to Caye Caulker, where members met local fishers at sea and experienced Belize's vibrant fishing culture firsthand. With the lobster season having officially opened on 1 July, the timing could not have been better.
Today, 5 July, the celebration continues at the Placencia Lobsterfest in Placencia, where members are immersing themselves in the rich culture, traditions, and hospitality of the village while celebrating Belize's fishing heritage.
A special highlight of the day was when Mitchell and Nadine had the privilege of meeting Mr. Carlton "Jack" Young, a GMA winner of Gulf and Caribbean Fisheries Institute (GCFI) Award recipient. He will celebrate his 85th birthday on 29 July. His daughter, Lisa, who lovingly cares for him, shared fascinating stories about the many fishing boats he owned and the remarkable contributions he made throughout his lifelong journey as a fisherfolk.
The delegation also met Ms. Paula Jacobs, Belize's 2026 Outstanding Fisher of the Year and leader of the Belize Fisherwomen Association. Hailing from Punta Negra, Ms. Jackson continues to be an inspiration through her leadership.
Happy 10th Anniversary, CNFO! Here's to a decade of unity, partnership, and empowering Caribbean fisherfolk, with many more years to come.
"All my life You have been faithful. All my life You have been so, so good."
These words beautifully reflect the life of Dr. Shelly-Ann Cox, a woman whose faith, compassion, and commitment to serving others touched countless lives across the Caribbean.
The Caribbean Network of Fisherfolk Organisations (CNFO) joins her family, friends, and colleagues in mourning her passing while giving thanks for a life so faithfully lived. Her leadership, kindness, and unwavering dedication will remain an inspiration to all who had the privilege of knowing and working with her.
Though our hearts are heavy, we celebrate her legacy and the many lives she enriched through her service. May God's goodness continue to comfort those who mourn, and may Dr. Cox rest in His eternal peace.
Our deepest condolences to everyone who knew and loved her.
Mitchell Lay/CNFO in Belize
Fostering Climate - Resilient Fisheries in the Caribbean.
2nd to 3rd July 2026 Blue Convergence Fund CNFO/PADF workshop in Belize.
Workshops will continue this year in #anguilla, #Grenada, #ST. Kitts and Nevis, and #Bahamas
Today we got to visit the Chairperson, Mr. Estevan Solis, of Northern Fishermen Cooperative Society Limited in Belize City, BELIZE.
He is managing affairs as the members of the co-operative hussle to get ice and other necessities to prepare for the opening of lobster season on 1st July 2026.
Have a productive season to all the fisherfolk in Belize.
www.fao.org/americas/news/news-detail/saint-lucia-fish-adapt-project/en
www.fao.org
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), in collaboration with Saint Lucia’s Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security and ...