Last Sunday 13th December the fishermen of District One attended the first every Fishing Forum in their community, organised by Pam Webster, APP Candidate for District One. This well attended initiative was designed to begin a community consultation with the all stakeholders of the fishing industry in District One.

Pam Webster addressing meeting

The Forum began a public discussion to explore the opportunities, policies and initiatives that would be of most benefit to the people of District One. Amongst the many issues discussed were the condition of the fishing industry in Anguilla, the main challenges faced by the fishermen in District One and the development of a Fishermen's Cooperative.

One of the most significant decisions made was to examine the possibility of setting up a Fisherman’s Cooperative in District One in 2010. This exciting concept can quickly begin to stimulate positive benefits to District One and could develop to include a Fish Processing Plant producing packaged fishing products both for domestic consumption and for export.

During the Forum, the attendees participated in the completion of a Fishing Questionnaire. This questionnaire sought to identify the needs and challenges of the fishermen and the information gathered will serve as a useful guide towards understanding the many concerns of the fishing community. In addition to the Co-operative, topics covered by the questionnaire included:

- the use of the 200 miles zone for further fishing opportunities;
- whether the government is providing enough support in terms of Financial Incentives, Education & Training, Fishing Infrastructure and Technology & Safety;
- what information (under several detailed headings) would be useful to the fishermen in their work;
- a package of incentives to stimulate the fishing industry in District One;
- the use of new technology to assist the fishing industry;
- the strategic use of marine resources for the development of District One.

Of great significance was that although the meeting had been organised by Pam Webster, APP candidate for District One, it was also attended by another candidate for District one, Sam Webster. Pam warmly welcomed Sam Webster to the meeting and many observers felt that this non-partisan approach towards the development of the Fishing community augurs well for all the people of District One.

- Press Release

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