Caribbean Network of Fisherfolk Organisations

2 weeks ago

Mr. Winsbert Harry started fishing at the age of 15. Over 10 years ago Winsbert joined Goodwill Fisherman Coop Society Ltd. That same year he was elected a member of board of directors (5 members make up the board). At this particular AGM, which happened to be Winsbert’s first AGM he was very motivated and vocal. The cooperative at this time only involved boat owners. Boat owners could buy shares and sit on the executive, however, Winsbert at this meeting challenged that. He recommended that fishers could sit on the board and be able to buy shares equally like the boat owners. This recommendation was received and Winsbert was amongst the first set of fishers sitting on the board of directors.
In 2009 Winsbert won the SVG Fisherman of the year, landing 870 lbs fish. He is the youngest fisher to win this award. In 2010, he was nominated to be the chairperson of the “fisherman day” committee and served for 3 years, thereafter served for another 3 years as Vice Chair. When the CNFO was registered Winsbert became the Fisheries Liaison Officer from 2012 to present. Winsbert created the 1st national fisherfolk football team in SVG (2014 to present). On 7th June 2019 the Ministry of Sustainable Development recognised the NFO and the leadership on World Oceans Day.
Winsbert was instrumental in assisting CALIFICO fisherman Coop. This cooperative has about 75 active fishers and 160 registered fishers that fish the area of the marine park. These fishers would have been tremendously affected by the declaration of the park however, Winsbert was instrumental in engaging the fishers from Calliaqua to access funding from the Eastern Caribbean Marine Managed Areas Network (ECMMAN) project to train 15 fishers in 60 feet open water dive and ensured they were PADI certified. They received additional support to generate income for the cooperative.
Currently there is a development happening at Rose Place. The government is working on a port development that will displace an entire community, Rose Place. Winsbert primary organisation, Goodwill fisherfolk is the only cooperative operating in this area. As the director of this organisation, and a fisher living in this community, he is very active and vocal about the need to preserve this area for the fishing community. 45 boats are going to be removed and about 80 people who live directly on the beach. He is fighting for fair treatment for people who will be displaced.
In 2013 Winsbert boat capsized at sea around 45 miles from St. Vincent, he spent two days swimming to try and save his life. He cried thinking he was not sure if he would see his young children again. He was rescued by a boat named “God is Love”. When Winsbert did not return home, it was alarming and the boat captain went in search of Winsbert and his crew. Winsbert is happy to be alive to tell the tale. Two years later a boat capsized, and Winsbert was able to rescue them. From this experience Winsbert is an advocate for safety at sea. He speaks to fishers to ensure that they have all safety equipment on board when going out fishing. Also, you may remember Winsbert making a presentation at the 2017 GCFI conference. “Mobile applications for fishermen: catching ICT at sea and on the road” and in 2019 he received the Gladden Memorial Award. The annual award is presented to select fishers who demonstrate a significant commitment to the sustainable use of marine resources in the Gulf and Caribbean region. ... See MoreSee Less

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Caribbean Network of Fisherfolk Organisations

2 months ago

Sean Walker, a bona-fide fisherman, was born, raised and resides in Gouyave, St. John’s: the fishing capital of Grenada. He is highly motivated and a dedicated fisher with good leadership qualities and good interactive skills. He is an active member of the Gouyave Fishermen Co-operative Society Ltd and is a lead fisher supporting and promoting conservation and sustainable practices by fishers and other stakeholders. As a volunteer, he participated in a Climate Change Adaptation community awareness program in 2018.
Sean has 18+ years record of fishing experience in both inshore and deep-sea fishing techniques; he is the owner and captain of a fishing vessel targeting mainly yellowfin tuna. Sean, after attending primary school, graduated from the New Life Organisation (NEWLO), a Life Skills and Vocational Training Centre for Youth. As a Fisher, he participated at various Fisheries workshops and training sessions and is the holder of many local certificates. He is also certified by the Caribbean Fisheries Training and Development Institute (Trinidad) in several disciplines. Sean is a trained MPA ranger. ... See MoreSee Less

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Caribbean Network of Fisherfolk Organisations

2 months ago

Climate Change Adaptation of the Eastern Caribbean Fisheries (CC4FISH) and the Poverty Nexus for Enhancing Resilient Fisheries Livelihoods and Food security in Barbados, Dominica and St. Kitts and Nevis Projects collaborated on a one day workshop:

Developing a value chain for the Nevis Fisherman’s Marketing & Supply Co-operative” , November 14, 2019 , Conference Room, Department of Agriculture, Nevis. ... See MoreSee Less

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Caribbean Network of Fisherfolk Organisations

4 months ago

This is Winston Hazelwood of Barrouallie, St. Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG). He is the Public Relations Officer (PRO) for the National Fisherfolk Organisation of SVG, Vice President of Barrouallie Fisherfolk Cooperative and Vice President of SVG-Fishing Aggregating Device (FADs) group. He is 54 years old and has been fishing for over 40 years.
He started fishing by the rockside, then used Skull boats and now he uses an engine boat to catch dolphin, king fish and tuna. He builds his own boat and fish alone. When FAD was introduced to Barrouuallie, he started FAD fishing. He uses drop line. He teaches other FAD fishers how to make drop line and he shares other techniques with them.
Barrouallie is one of the biggest fishing community in SVG because of the different types of fishing. Blackfish, deep seine, net, skull boats for red snapper, they also fish for king fish and dolphin. A small boat 15 hp is used for FADs. FAD fishing is the biggest fishing activity taking place right now in the community.
Mr. Hazelwood advises all fishers to take fishing as a serious business and to make sure that they have all their safety equipment including their life jacket when going out to fish. ... See MoreSee Less

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