Minister Baltimore chairing the Council meeting from Antigua and Barbuda (Photo: Government of Antigua and Barbuda)
The Ministerial Council of the Caribbean Regional Fisheries Mechanism (CRFM), a regional inter-governmental body of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), convened its Twentieth (20th) Regular Meeting today. The Council, comprised of Fisheries, Aquaculture, and Blue Economy Ministers from the Caribbean, deliberated via teleconference on key issues confronting the sector. These include bolstering aquaculture development, improving food security, strengthening resilience to climate and disaster risks through insurance, and notable gains in addressing illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing.
Before delving into these pressing matters, the Council elected Hon. Randy Baltimore, Minister of State in the Ministry of Agriculture, Lands, Fisheries and the Blue Economy, Antigua and Barbuda, as Chair. Minister Baltimore succeeds Hon. Kyle Hodge, Minister of Economic Development, Industry, Commerce, Lands, Planning, Water, and Natural Resources, Anguilla, who rendered stellar service as Chair of the CRFM Ministerial Council during the previous year.
In accepting the Chairmanship, Antigua and Barbuda reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening regional cooperation, promoting sustainable use of marine resources, supporting fisherfolk livelihoods, and advancing innovative solutions to challenges facing the fisheries sector, including climate change, illegal fishing, and marine resource management.
Minister Baltimore said: “The Government of Antigua and Barbuda looks forward to working closely with CRFM Member States and regional partners to further the sustainable development of the Caribbean’s fisheries and blue economy sectors during its tenure as Chair.”
He noted that he had recently been assigned to the portfolio following national elections in the Member State. Supported by the Chair of the Caribbean Fisheries Forum, Mr. Ian Horsford, Chief Fisheries Officer, Antigua and Barbuda, the Ministers effectively addressed a range of topics, resulting in the passage of 19 resolutions critical to the advancement of the fisheries and aquaculture sector.
In addressing the Council at the conclusion of the meeting, CRFM Executive Director, Dr. Marc Williams said: “ The Caribbean stands at a pivotal moment when sustainable fisheries, aquaculture, the Blue Economy, climate resilience, and ocean governance must be integrated to secure prosperity for present and future generations. I encourage all Member States to maintain their strong engagement in implementing today’s resolutions and to continue supporting the CRFM as a premier regional institution for fisheries and ocean governance.”
The Ministers approved a new 5-year aquaculture action plan, as well as a new biennial work plan and budget for the CRFM, spanning 2026-2027. They also received updates on three regional initiatives through which critical work is being undertaken by the CRFM, in collaboration with its Member States and institutional partners, to strengthen the sector. These are the Canadian-funded Sustainable Technologies for Adaptation and Resilience in Fisheries (STAR-fish) Project, the IICA/EDF-EU Food Security Project, as well as the GEF/FAO/CAF/CRFM BE-CLME+ Project: Promoting National Blue Economy Priorities Through Marine Spatial Planning in the Caribbean Large Marine Ecosystem Plus.
“ The Council’s decisions on the CRFM work plan and budget, financial management, staffing, and strategic priorities provide a strong foundation for advancing the CRFM’s goals and delivering tangible benefits to the people who depend on our marine resources ,” Dr. Williams said.
The Council is scheduled to meet again later this year, during the 20th Caribbean Week of Agriculture in Jamaica.