On 14th June 2018 the Department of Marine Resources (DMR) hosted the 2017 Hurricane Season Relief Ceremony. Since fish traps were lost during Hurricanes Irma and Maria and the Government of St. Kitts and Nevis through the Ministry Agriculture, Marine Resources, Cooperative, Environment and Human Settlement determined grant Fishers/ Boat Owners with some relief in the form of fish trap wire.
The ceremony was chaired by Ms. Sasha Edwards (Beach Conservation Officer). Opening prayer was offered by Ms. Ahisha Herbert (Marine Conservation Officer) followed by welcome remarks by the Director of Marine Resources, Mr. Marc Williams. Key remarks was given by the Honorable Eugene Hamilton, Minister of Agriculture, Marine Resources, Cooperative, Environment and Human Settlement.
Minister Hamilton indicated “Fishing as we know it is an extremely dangerous profession. As a matter of fact, it is listed as the 2nd most dangerous profession in the world. Compounding the inherent dangers of fishing is the increase in the propensity of violent hurricanes. Never before has our Federation been impacted from category five hurricanes as we did in 2017. Despite the impacts, our fishers persevered. In 2017, our fishers produced over 400 tons of fish, the highest level achieved over the past decade. Your dedication to this difficult profession is second to none… This relief effort may not be bountiful in its nature but it touches every legally registered boat owner that was involved in trap fishing during the year 2017.” He further highlighted “On page 36 of our Manifesto, the Team Unity Administration stated that we will provide Federal assistance to further develop the fishing industry in St. Kitts and Nevis. “
Honorable Eugene Hamilton distributed the tickets and wire to the fishers assisted by Ms. Ashadi Duncan, and Mr. Locksley Edwards (Marine Conservation Officer) and Mr. Luciano Eddy (Beach Conservation Officer). Ms. Tasia Jones (Marine Conservation Officer) gave the vote of thanks, highlighting the importance and value of the relationship between the fishers and the DMR/ Ministry of Agriculture, Marine Resources, Cooperative, Environment and Human Settlement.
