A deepened cooperation between Japan and the Eastern Caribbean States was cemented at the 22nd Eastern Caribbean Ministerial Meeting on Fisheries and Sustainable use of Living Marine Resources at the Beachcombers Hotel Conference Room in Villa, St. Vincent and the Grenadines on the July 13 to 14, 2023.
Issues relating to the state of Fisheries in the Caribbean Community, the impact of the Sargassum Seaweed invasion on sustainable livelihoods in the OECS, challenges of Sustainable use of Marine Living Resources for Sustainable Livelihoods and Food Security in the Region, Opportunities and challenges within The Blue Economy for the Caribbean, the effects of Climate Change and other Environmental Issues on Coastal Fisheries Management, Development and Cooperation in International arenas for Sustainable Use of Marine Living Resources were among other matters on the table for discussion among the representative.
Addressing the delegates, Minister of Agriculture, Forestry, Fisheries, Rural Transformation, Industry and Labour, Saboto Caesar said “As small island states we have significant opportunities and possibilities, if we have a carefully planned structured and conceived framework to harness the resources of a blue economy.”
The Fisheries Minister thanked the Government and people of Japan for 25 years of cooperation and added that stakeholders have benefited significantly. Minister Caesar called for the need of the exchange in ideas and human resource capacity building and indicated that St. Vincent and the Grenadines continues to work with stakeholders to advance production with an emphasis on sustainability.
Minister Caesar encouraged the youth to explore not only traditional career paths but those within the blue economy, since it provides an excellent opportunity for sustained livelihoods.
Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security and Rural Development, Alfred Prospere for St. St. Lucia said, “The Fisheries sub-sector provides an excellent opportunity for the region to meet the food and nutrition security.” The Lucian Minister revealed his country stands to benefit some US$10 million from the Blue Economy of which a large portion will be allocated towards assisting the fisherfolk of St. Lucia through capacity building.
Minister Prospere lauded the technicians for the important role they play in ‘driving the process.’ The Fisheries Minister of St. Lucia also urged delegates to ensure that action is taken towards the plans set, and thanked the Government of Japan for their continued support.
Expressing his pride to be a part of the Caribbean Ministers of Fisheries Meeting, Minister of State with Responsibility for Agriculture, Lands, Fisheries, Cooperation for Grenada, Adrian Thomas said “there is a sense of hope.” The Grenada Minister stated that there is ‘new vibe, innovations’ and a thrust to move forward and reiterated that the meeting was pivotal in the “rejuvenation of the minds of over 10 thousand farmers in Grenada, Carriacou and Petit Martinique,” The Minister shared. And disclosed that The Blue Economy has great potential and gives the people hope “that something will happen in the development of their lives and livelihood.” The Grenada Fisheries Minister stressed that management of the Blue Economy is a key component to its sustainability.
*Alluding to synergies that work in tandem with policies, geared at promoting the goal of boosting Dominica’s GDP, Minister of State in the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Blue and Green Economy of Dominica, Jullan Defoe emphasised the mission is to work together as a region and looks forward to the outcomes.
Advisor to the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries of Japan, Dr. Joji Morishita, hailed the meeting a success with a renewal and strengthening of relationships. Dr. Morishita stated that he was grateful to see all participants engaged in important issues pertaining to the Blue Economy, Food Security and Sustainable Use of Marine Living Resources, while sharing the same goals.
The meeting saw representatives from Antigua and Barbuda, Common Wealth of Dominica, Grenada, St. Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Grenada, and Japan, the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) and the Caribbean Regional Fisheries Mechanism (CRFM) in attendance
At the conclusion of the sessions representatives had the opportunity to visit the Rainforest Sea Food Processing plant in Calliaqua, a Medicinal Cannabis field trip and also had a taste of the Bagga Fish Fest.
