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Last Updated: Feb 13, 2017 - 1:45:37 AM |
Press Statement by Clay Sweeting Deputy Chairman BAIC Statement on Bahamian Fishermen August 28th, 2016:
August 1st, 2016 was the opening of the new crawfish season and as always, the fishermen were eager to head out to sea with hopes of a bountiful lobster season. Hopes and prayers were shared with them by family members, friends and the community as a whole.
God has indeed blessed the Great Bahama Banks this season with an abundance of lobster, however the RBDF has also played an instrumental role in protecting the banks against local and foreign poachers.
Some say this may be the best lobster season in twenty years. Many fishermen has asked me to convey their thanks to the Government of the Bahamas, as well as the Acting Commodore, Captain Tellis Bethel of the Royal Bahamas Defense Force for a job well done! Some fishermen has stated that, “Whatever they are doing, tell them to keep doing it”.
In March, 2014 the Government took a major step in the right direction, with the expansion of the Royal Bahamas Defense Force’s patrol fleet and the development of three shore-side docking facilities. North Eleuthera fishermen were delighted that the government was prepared to spend north of $232 million on this initiative, which will not only strengthen the patrol capabilities of the RBDF, but also play a major role in the protection Bahamian waters and fisherman from illegal poachers.
The fishing industry plays an important role in supporting thousands of Bahamians throughout our archipelago of islands, including Spanish Wells, Eleuthera, Abaco, Long Island, Exuma, Andros and many others. For many years, we as a community and country of fishermen has fought for the protection of our borders We have witnessed firsthand the explosion of illegal poaching during the off-season by foreign vessels, most noticeably from the Dominican Republic. Our, once full circle economies has been adversely affected, leading to home foreclosures and struggling businesses.
However, we now welcome the positive effects of the well patrolled waters, as our industry can possibly rebound from years of neglect.
Once again, on behalf of the fishermen of the Commonwealth of the Bahamas, we say, “Thank you”
© Copyright 2016 by thebahamasweekly.com
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