The celebration marked the graduation of participants from various comprehensive training programmes designed to enhance their skills and ensure their safety and productivity. Future Fishers proudly recognised the achievements of 10 individuals who successfully completed training in 2-stroke boat engine repair, equipping them with the technical expertise to maintain and repair their vessels, thereby ensuring smoother and safer operations at sea. Additionally, 20 individuals were honoured for their completion of the Safety at Sea training, a critical programme that imparts essential knowledge and practices to mitigate risks and safeguard their well-being while on the water. Furthermore, 22 individuals were trained in the preservation techniques of smoked and salted fish, a valuable skill that not only promotes sustainable fishing practices but also enhances economic opportunities through the creation of high-value fish products.

In addition to acknowledging these achievements, the event featured a prize-giving ceremony for the fishing competition that took place from the 25th to the 27th of June. This competition celebrated the skill and dedication of our fishers, providing a platform to showcase their expertise and foster a spirit of camaraderie and healthy competition within the community. The awards ceremony recognised the outstanding efforts and achievements of the participants, further highlighting the importance of the fishing industry to our region.

Fishing Competition Results:

Largest Kingfish Category: 

In an exciting conclusion, the Largest Kingfish category ended in a tie. Both Jeffery Martin and Akeem Mendoza caught kingfish weighing 20 lbs each. Jeffery from Balandra and Akeem from Grande Riviere shared the grand prize of $5,000. 

The second-heaviest kingfish, weighing 14.5 lbs, was caught by Jester Sandy of Toco Port. Jester received a prize of $1,500.

Most Fish Caught: 

George Ramnarine, with the assistance of Captain Leon Emmanuel Solomon Grayham (Boy Boy), won the Most Fish Caught category with an impressive total of 36 fish. George and Captain Leon, hailing from Matura Salybia Port, were awarded a prize of $4,000.

Longest Fish Category: 

Akeem Mendoza secured the win in the Longest Fish category with a fish measuring 42 inches. Akeem received a prize of $3,000. Close contenders Jeffery Martin and Gerald Joseph from Balandra each caught fish measuring 41.5 inches. They will both receive a prize of $1000.00

Special Prize: 

Johnathan Hill earned the Special Prize for his impressive redfish caught while trolling, weighing 18.9 lbs. Mr. Hill received a special prize of $500.00 in recognition of his achievement.

This celebration marked not only the recognition of individual accomplishments but also a reflection of the collective progress Future Fishers have made as a community. It underscored the collaborative efforts of various stakeholders: our donors included the Green Fund, Ministry of Planning and Development, Woodside Energy, UNDP – Global Environment Facility, Small Grants Programme. Future Fishers also received crucial support from the Fisheries Division and other government agencies, non-profit organisations, and the fishers themselves. Together, Future Fishers work tirelessly to ensure the sustainability and prosperity of our fishing industry. As Future Fishers honoured these achievements, we eagerly anticipate continuing the journey towards a thriving and sustainable future for fishers and their families in Trinidad and Tobago.

Notable attendees included the Hon. Pennelope Beckles, Minister of Planning and Development; Dr. Sharda Mahabir, National Coordinator of the GEF SGP, representing the UN Resident Representative; Ms. Elizabeth Mohammed, representing the Ministry of Agriculture Land and Fisheries; and Dr. Carla Noel-Mendez, Manager of Corporate Affairs, Woodside Energy.