Jamaica marks International Fisherman's Day in Morant Bay under resilient fisher theme

Hundreds of fishers and officials assembled at Colonel Cove in Morant Bay, St. Thomas, on Wednesday, 25 June 2026, to observe International Fisherman's Day under the theme “Resilient Fisher.”

The National Fisheries Authority (NFA), under the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining, led the programme. Parish manager Ted Roy Gordon served as master of ceremonies. NFA chief executive Dr Gavin Bellamy told the crowd that fishers put food on Jamaican tables and praised their recovery after recent hurricanes, though he acknowledged that not everyone had received equal relief.

Senior extension officer Ricardo Brown opened with prayer. St. Thomas Custos Marcia Bennett CD, JP, and Member of Parliament for St. Thomas Eastern Yvonne Rosemary Shaw both welcomed visitors from other parishes and stressed that fishing is central to coastal life and national food security.

Garfield Goldburn of the Jamaica Fisherman Cooperative Union urged fishers to know their rights after maritime incidents. He said reports should go to the Maritime Authority of Jamaica under the Shipping Act of 1998, that fishing vessels may be treated as ships for accident claims, and that claims face a two-year limitation. He also reminded operators to register vessels and fly the Jamaican flag.

Police Sergeant Leon Golding outlined the Beach Watch programme and presented a wheelchair to Morant Bay fisher Randy Brian, who lost a leg to surgery. Food for the Poor representative Knockly spoke on hurricane readiness and cited severe damage at Gallion Longacres fishing village after Hurricane Melissa.

NFA research officer Nia Jones outlined proposed minimum landing sizes for reef fish in three groups—five, six and seven inches—based on field data. Dr Zara Olifant said a fisheries ticketing system, modelled on traffic fines, would begin in September 2026, including a J$10,000 ticket for fishing without a licence on person.

Minister Floyd Green said Hurricane Melissa cost the sector more than J$5 billion and damaged over 3,000 vessels. He announced continued grants, a programme to distribute 20 boats and engines yearly for five years to fishers under 35, 20 additional boats for hurricane losses, J$88 million already spent on fishing-beach upgrades, expanded sanctuaries, and training in longline fishing, seamoss farming and sea-cage aquaculture.

A question-and-answer session covered licensing checks, coast guard conduct, beach protection, and incomplete cooperative projects. NFA senior director Shelene Bry closed with thanks to sponsors, presenters and fishers.