Students learn about a day in the life of a fisher

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) collaborated with Frederick Smith Secondary School on Friday to give 12 students a memorable experience in the fishing sector.

The project, A Day in the Life of a Fisher in Barbados, saw students visiting the Berinda Cox Fish Market in Oistins, Christ Church where they interacted with vendors, took a tour of a fishing boat, and had a walkthrough of the market’s facilities and an interactive session with personnel from the Fisheries Division.

Veronica Millington, a representative from the UNDP Accelerator Lab, said the project was an extension of the organisation’s partnership with the school. During a career showcase at the Frederick Smith Secondary School in February, the UNDP Accelerator Lab and the Fisheries Division produced a video showcasing women in the sector who deep fish and harvested fish. Those persons featured in the video also got the opportunity to speak about the role that women play in the industry.

Some of the students expressed interest in pursuing a career in the sector and Millington said that it was therefore fitting to give them direct exposure to what takes place.

Keisha Carrington, one of the few female captains in Barbados, said she was honoured to be part of the video and tour with the students.

“Teaching young people is very important. Getting exposure from a young age gives you more confidence to handle any situation. Out there is not a sport place and sometimes you get rough seas. There is nothing wrong with wanting to go out but safety first,” she said.

As it relates to being one of the few females who participate in the fish-catching process, Carrington said: “As a woman in the industry, it is not challenging; I love it. It gives me a drive being that it is only a few ladies who go out there and try to challenge the men and show them that we too can get it done. I love being out there being among the guys, and the men are very supportive.”

School counsellor from the Ministry of Education, Laurel Springer said it was a great experience for the students and she was pleased about the enthusiasm of the participants.

(SZB)