Barbados, T&T officials promise to finalise fishing deal

Senior fisheries officials from Barbados and Trinidad and Tobago have pledged to move quickly towards concluding a new fishing agreement.

Both sides met virtually last week and while not identifying a timeline to start negotiations, considered the establishment of a collaborative research regime to conduct a sub-regional fish stock assessment with a focus on flying fish and associated species. 

“Crucially, the two countries also indicated their desire to enter negotiations towards the conclusion of a new fishing agreement in the future,” stated a joint communiqué issued on Tuesday.

“The fisherfolk communities of both countries can be assured that their respective governments remain committed to a process of open communication and will take on board the guidance and input of the competent regional fisheries mechanisms to ensure the sustainable use of this important shared resource.”

The talks were convened in fulfilment of the mandate issued to the fisheries technocrats of both countries by Prime Minister Mia Mottley and her Trinidad and Tobago counterpart Dr Keith Rowley, following media reports of concerns expressed by some Tobagonian fisherfolk regarding possible overfishing of the shared flying fish stock.

The discussions involving senior government officials responsible for fisheries management examined in detail matters related to the Eastern Caribbean flying fish stock.

The Caribbean Regional Fisheries Mechanism (CRFM), an organisation tasked with, among other things, the promotion of the sustainable use of the region’s fisheries and other marine resources, also participated in the talks.   

Both sides acknowledged and lauded the fraternal and “extremely positive” relationship that exists between the fisherfolk of both countries and agreed that all stakeholders would continue to be fully consulted moving forward.    

The representatives also acknowledged a longstanding, fruitful relationship between Barbados and the twin-island republic, which is underpinned by friendship and mutual respect.

The Barbados delegation was led by the country’s Ambassador to CARICOM David Comissiong, and comprised Chief Fisheries Officer Dr Shelly Ann Cox, President of the Barbados National Union of Fisherfolk Organisations (BARNUFO) Vernel Nicholls, and senior officials from the Barbados Fisheries Division and the Ministries of Blue Economy and Foreign Affairs.

Lead representative for Trinidad and Tobago, Sunita Harrikissoon, was supported by Chief Secretary of the Tobago House of Assembly, Farley Chavez Augustine; Secretary of the Division of Food Security, Nathisha Pantin; as well as other senior officers from the Tobago House of Assembly. Officials from Trinidad and Tobago’s Ministry of Agriculture and Coast Guard also participated in the discussions. (PR/EJ)