Antigua and Barbuda hosted the first OECS and CARICOM Fisheries Ministers Meeting in two and a half years. This meeting took place on 3rd and 4th October at the Trade Winds Hotel. In attendance were Ministers and delegations from the Republic of Dominica, Grenada, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Invited also to this very important two days of crucial discussions was a delegation from Japan led by Akimoto Masatoshi, Parliamentary Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs. The delegation from Antigua and Barbuda included Honourable Samantha Marshall, Ambassador Daven Joseph (Development Commissioner), Mr. Mark Archibald (Senior fisheries Officer – Fisheries Division) and Joy-Marie King (Director \u2013 International Trade).<\/p>\n
The Opening ceremony took place with remarks made by Honourable Saboto Caesar of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, the Address was delivered by His Excellency AKIMOTO Masatoshi Parliamentary Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan and the Feature remarks by Honourable Samantha Marshall.<\/p>\n
A presentation by Mr. Milton Haughton, Executive Director Caribbean Regional Fisheries Mechanism (CRFM) on \u201cPost Covid Challenges Regarding Sustainable Use of Living Marine Resources and Sustainable Livelihoods in the Caribbean\u201d where facts were shared pertaining to (a) the importance of Fisheries in the region (b) Challenges in the sector before, impacts of COVID 19, Social Protection programmes, Social Protection, Economic Support, and Economic Programmes. \u201cA more comprehensive approach to solve our Marine problems, apply more information, more opportunities for women lessons learnt\u201d advised Mr. Haughton. Additionally, he advised and encouraged training and businesses in Aquaculture and Mariculture especially in the islands where the methods are not practiced.<\/p>\n
Mark Archibald, also made a detailed presentation on Coastal and Environment Issues Affecting Fisheries Development and Management while Ms. Joy-Marie King\u2019s presentation was related to Blue Economy. These three presentations were the fuel for the Minister\u2019s Consultation and discussions were focused on \u201cFood Security\u201d and \u2018Blue Economy\u201d.<\/p>\n
In comparing notes, the consensus was that the region\u2019s food security was threatened. Based on several negative factors such as COVID 19 PANDEMIC, the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, depletion of natural resources (especially land-base) and global inflation. It was unanimously agreed that the solution to these challenges was \u201cBlue Economy\u201d. \u201cWe are seeing the need to develop our Blue Economy\u201d, said Minister Saboto Caesar.<\/p>\n
Blue Economy is an economical term used in reference to the exploitation, conservation and regeneration of the Marine Environment. It was agreed by all that the Blue Economy was only feasible and realistic solution to restore Food Sovereignty and mitigate for any futuristic catastrophic devastation of the economy and Food Security. Additionally, developing the fisheries sector while protecting the natural resources would guarantee food availability, sustainable livelihood and hopefully better economy.<\/p>\n
It was also determined that more research and data collecting pertaining to what we have, demarcation\/boundaries, educating the populous, encourage persons to buy into the sector and change the mindset should be done. \u201cThinking locally while acting globally\u201d said Minister Samantha Marshall.<\/p>\n
Day one (1) was chaired by the Honourable Samantha Marshall and in her Closing Statement, expressed \u201cWe need to stand together and formulate ourselves appropriately the actions to be taken and move forward\u201d. The first day concluded with a Cocktail Party in honour of the visiting Diplomats and their delegations hosted by the Governor General Sir Dr. Rodney Williams.<\/p>\n
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