On September 1, 2016, the Honourable Eugene Hamilton, Minister of Agriculture, Marine Resources, Cooperatives, Environment, Human Settlement, National Health Insurance, Health, Community Development, Gender Affairs and Social Services hosted the 17^th Annual Meeting on the Sustainable Use of Living Marine Resources of Ministries with responsibility for Fisheries in the OECS region. This meeting was convened from 1^st to 2^nd September 2016 at the Marriott Beach Resort.

Ministers and Fisheries officials discussed a wide range of issues in relation to the management and development of fisheries in the region, and the policy interventions that are necessary for the continued development of the fishing sector.

The meeting will also serve as a forum for independent OECS countries to develop joint strategies and initiatives for negotiations and decision making as it relates to the fisheries management and development interests of member states. This year officials from Suriname and Japan were invited to participate in the discussions