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Improving the quality of life of Fisherfolk by developing a sustainable and profitable industry.
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Elreka Gaymes won Miss SVG. The cultural presentation that Elreka Gaymes performed while competing for Miss SVG highlighted the Blackfish tradition and the Blackfish community of Barrouallie in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. The presentation was strengthened through the valuable assistance and support of Mr. Winsbert Harry, President of the National Fisherfolk Organisation in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, whose contribution helped bring authenticity and cultural depth to the performance.
Elreka Gaymes won Miss SVG. The cultural presentation Elreka Gaymes performed while competing for Miss SVG highlighted the Blackfish tradition and the Blackfish community of Barrouallie, St. Vincent and the Grenadines. The presentation was strengthened through the valuable assistance and support of Mr. Winsbert Harry, President of the National Fisherfolk Organisation in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, whose contribution helped bring authenticity and cultural depth to the performance.
CNFO Board Member in St. Vincent and the Grenadines Speech on 25th May 2026 for Fisherfolk Day ceremony.
Good evening to our fishers, vendors, boat owners, processors, divers, young people entering the industry, our partners, our supporters, and every single person who continues to stand with the fisheries sector of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.
Today we celebrate Fishermen’s Day under the theme, “Right to Food for a Better Life and a Better Future.” But let us be honest with ourselves tonight.
This industry is tired.
Our fishers are battling rising fuel costs, failing infrastructure, unpredictable weather, sargassum invasions, rough seas, poor access to financing, limited markets, and increasing pressure on our marine resources. Some days our fishers leave home before sunrise and return with barely enough to cover expenses. Some are struggling quietly. Some are losing hope.
And while fisheries remain one of the most important sectors in this country, many within the sector still feel unheard, unseen, and disconnected from the decisions that affect their lives.
There is frustration. There is a division. There is disappointment.
Too often we only remember fishers when there is a disaster, when fish prices rise, or when we want seafood on our tables. But the fisheries sector is not a side industry. It feeds families. It sustains communities. It preserves culture. It supports tourism. It creates jobs. It carries generations of knowledge and sacrifice.
And despite all the challenges, our fishers still go to sea.
That is strength.
Tonight I want to speak directly to the entire fisheries sector.
Do not give up.
Do not allow hardship to destroy your vision. Do not allow politics to divide us. Do not allow setbacks to convince you that your work has no value.
Because it does.
Every fisher is mending a net. Every woman processing fish on the beach. Every vendor in the market. Every young person trying to enter the industry. Every family depending on the sea to survive.
You matter.
And that is why this year’s theme matters so deeply. The right to food is not only about access to meals. It is about dignity, livelihoods, opportunity, and ensuring that the very fishers who feed this nation can also build better lives and better futures for themselves and their families.
But survival alone is no longer enough. We must fight for transformation.
We need stronger representation. We need investment in our fishers. We need safer harbours and landing sites. We need proper cold storage and processing facilities. We need insurance and protection for fishers. We need better systems for disaster response. We need more training and opportunities for youth. We need to treat fisheries not as charity, but as serious business and national development.
And to achieve that, we must work together.
The National Fisherfolk Organisation cannot do it alone. Government cannot do it alone. Communities cannot do it alone.
This sector will only move forward when fishers themselves stand united, organized, informed, and ready to demand better, while also being ready to build better.
We must stop tearing each other down. We must stop believing that another fisher’s success is our failure. We must share knowledge, support innovation, and create opportunities for the next generation.
Because the future of fisheries will not look exactly like the past.
Climate change is here. The oceans are changing. The economy is changing.
And we too must evolve.
Trade is also critical to the future of our fisheries sector. We must strengthen local and regional markets, improve quality and standards, expand opportunities for export, and ensure that our fishers receive fair value for their catch. At the same time, we must continue promoting the importance of healthy, safe, and nutritious fish as part of food security and national wellbeing. Fish is one of the healthiest sources of protein available to our people, and protecting our fisheries means protecting the health, nutrition, and future of our communities.
The fisheries sector has power. But power means nothing without unity.
Tonight I challenge every fisher listening: do not wait for someone to save this industry for us. We are the fishers who will save it.
Let this Fishermen’s Day not only be about celebration. Let it be about awakening. Let it be about courage. Let it be about rebuilding trust and purpose across the sector.
And even in the face of disappointment, continue pushing. Even when support feels limited, continue pushing. Even when the sea is rough, continue pushing.
Because our ancestors survived by the sea. Our communities were built by the sea. And with determination, discipline, and unity, our future can still rise from the sea.
On behalf of the National Fisherfolk Organisation, I thank every fisher who continues to fight for this sector every single day.
May we leave here tonight not discouraged by our challenges, but strengthened by the knowledge that we still have the ability to shape our future together.
Happy Fishermen’s Day. May God bless all our fishers and keep every vessel safe at sea.
Thank you
The Atlantic Hurricane Season runs from June 1 to November 30. 🌪️
As the hurricane season begins today, it is important to continue our preparedness efforts and understand climate patterns such as El Niño, which can influence weather conditions and hurricane activity across the region.
Knowledge helps us stay informed, aware, and prepared. By understanding the factors that shape our weather, we can make better decisions to protect ourselves, our families, and our communities.
Let us remain vigilant, stay informed through official sources, and continue preparing throughout the hurricane season. 💙
#HurricaneSeason #ElNiño #BePrepared #CDEMA #CaribbeanResilience
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