Fishing communities, industry stakeholders and government officials came together in Carenage on Friday for a day dedicated to celebrating the nation’s fisheries sector and promoting its sustainable future while commemorating St. Peter’s week.
Fishing communities from across Trinidad gathered in Carenage for the Caribbean Fisheries Training and Development Institute’s inaugural Expo, held in observance of St. Peter’s Day under the theme, “Hooked on Progress, Anchored in Excellence.”
The event highlighted marine conservation, collaboration and the vital role of the fisheries sector in Trinidad and Tobago’s food security, as noted by Agriculture and Fisheries Minister Ravi Ratiram.
“Today we are really here to enjoy the people of Caranage, enjoy the people, what they have to offer. And to continue to build that camaraderie in and around Trinidad and Tobago, to bring our people closer to each other. We have representative of the fishing folks from Sealots. Sealots is out today here in Caranage. Maracas is out today here in Caranage. What we are doing is bringing communities together. Because that’s the only way we will prosper as a nation, when we bring communities together, when we integrate communities together.”
The Expo also served as a platform to promote innovation and skills development within the fisheries sector. Mr Wesley Pancham of CFTDI says the initiative is aimed at creating new employment and entrepreneurial opportunities while encouraging greater participation from young people and women.
“It is the beginning of a transformative movement to unite our fisheries and marine sectors, showcase innovation, strengthen partnership, promote education and skill development, create employment and entrepreneurial opportunities, engage our youth and women, raise awareness about marine conservation, and celebrate the invaluable contribution of our fishing communities to Trinidad and Tobago’s economy and food security.”
Environmental sustainability was another key focus, with Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Agri and Fisheries Michelle Anne Thomas highlighting the importance of working alongside local, regional and international partners.
“As part of the conservation drive we are partnering with all stakeholders. To ensure that the environment is kept in a sustainable manner. And also we are collaborating even with persons from outside the country internationally. We also had visits from India. The delegation from India, Mexico, France. Internationally we are about conservation, cooperation, collaboration.”
The Expo is intended to become an annual event, bringing together stakeholders from across the fisheries sector to promote collaboration, innovation and sustainable development.