Thirty-Six Fisherfolk Honoured at Caribbean Small-Scale Fisheries & Aquaculture Forum and Award Ceremony

BASSETERRE, Saint Kitts (SKNIS) – Thirty-six (36) fisherfolk were recently celebrated for their dedication and achievements during the Caribbean Small-Scale Fisheries and Aquaculture Forum and Award Ceremony, held on Wednesday, October 01, at the St. Kitts Marriott Resort. The forum, organised by the Department of Marine Resources, Caribbean Regional Fisheries Mechanism (CRFM) and the National Fisherfolk Organisation of St. Kitts and Nevis, formed part of the Caribbean Week of Agriculture.

The award ceremony recognised the invaluable contributions of local fishers whose years of service, skill, and resilience have significantly shaped the region’s fishing industry. Their efforts have not only sustained livelihoods but also preserved traditions and supported food security.

Her Excellency Dame Marcella Liburd, Governor-General of Saint Kitts and Nevis, presented awards to the honourees for their enduring commitment to a sector that remains vital to national development and cultural identity.

Director of the Department of Marine Resources, Randel Thompson, emphasised the importance of recognising the human stories behind the fishing industry.

“In our region, these sectors are far more than sources of food and income—they embody our traditions, strengthen our communities, and reflect our resilience,” said Mr. Thompson. “They nourish our people, sustain our economies, and keep us connected to our rich maritime heritage. Yet, we also recognise the pressing challenges they face, from natural disasters and the impacts of climate change to the limitations of outdated resources.”

President of the National Fisherfolk Organisation of St. Kitts and Nevis, Mr. Kevin Bennett, also spoke on the importance of regional collaboration and stakeholder engagement in addressing shared challenges.

“Sessions like these are critically important because we have all the stakeholders in place to offer viable solutions to the challenges we face,” said Bennett. “Across the Caribbean, all our farmers and fishers encounter the same problems—different islands, but the same challenges. These sessions give us a chance to listen, to learn, to engage, to support one another, to share knowledge and experiences, and to lobby for policies that will truly benefit our sector.”

He further noted that the region’s food systems remain among the most vulnerable due to global and environmental pressures.

“The food sector is one of the most vulnerable as it can be impacted by supply chain issues, geopolitics, climate change, hurricanes, and high prices, which make it uneconomical to import,” Benett added. “However, Caribbean fishers and farmers are incredibly resilient, and sessions like these allow us the opportunity to improvise, adapt, and overcome.”

The Caribbean Small-Scale Fisheries and Aquaculture Forum, an annual highlight of the Caribbean Week of Agriculture, provides a regional platform for dialogue on key issues, innovations, and opportunities in the fisheries and aquaculture sectors. This year’s event brought together fishers, aquaculturists, researchers, non-governmental organisations, and policymakers from across the Caribbean, united in their shared commitment to strengthening these critical industries.

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