FiTI begins outreach in Jamaica to enhance fisheries transparency across the Caribbean

KINGSTON, 28 June. The FiTI international Secretariat, represented by FiTI Regional Coordinator for the Caribbean Tyann Henry, met with various government, civil society and business stakeholders to discuss the status of Jamaica’s fisheries sector and understand their existing governance challenges, while also promoting the associated benefits of Jamaica implementing the FiTI Standard.

In recent years, the importance of transparency for sustainable fisheries management has seen growing levels of support. For example, the ‘Caribbean Community Common Fisheries Policy’ clearly recognizes the principles of good governance, accountability and transparency among its fundamental principles. Furthermore, drawing from the lessons learned and successful experiences of member states through voluntary initiatives, the 7th Meeting of the OACPS Ministers in Charge of Fisheries and Aquaculture in Ghana in April 2022 called for enhancing transparency in fisheries management – as well as in all blue economy related activities – as a crucial part of strengthening fisheries governance and securing long-term benefits.

As host to the Blue Justice Caribbean Hub, with the National Fisheries Authority (NFA) as the focal point, Jamaica serves an influential role within the region by aiding the facilitation of regional cooperation in combating fisheries crime and illegal fishing, through the sharing of fisheries intelligence resources. Apart from this, Jamaica is also an active member within the Caribbean Biological Corridor (CBC), Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS), all of which encompass overarching themes of seeking the sustainable development of the Caribbean region.

During the mission, the FiTI International Secretariat attended the 2024 International Fisherman’s Day Symposium, hosted on 28 June at Ocho Rios Baptist Church in St. Ann. There, the Honourable Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining, Floyd Green – in partnership with the NFA, represented by Chief Executive Officer Dr. Gavin Bellamy – engaged local fishers, providing an open forum to hear and address their concerns. Minister Green and Dr. Bellamy expressed interest in the FiTI’s mission and its objectives for the Caribbean region and were open to discussing Jamaica’s potential involvement with the FiTI.

The University of the West Indies’ Centre for Marine Sciences (CMS) and associated marine laboratories, the Caribbean Policy Research Institute and the United Nations Environment Programme’s Cartagena Convention Secretariat also expressed support for enhancing sustainable fisheries management in Jamaica through improved transparency and increased multi-stakeholder participation. It was agreed to explore further collaboration opportunities.

Throughout this country mission, the FiTI International Secretariat engaged in supportive discussions with representatives Jamaica’s government, fishing industry and civil society as well as representatives from international organisations on how to strengthen fisheries governance, as well as supporting Jamaica’s constitutional right to a healthy and productive environment (Section 13(3) l).

Ms Henry stated the FiTI’s unequivocal commitment to work with the national authorities of Jamaica, as well as other stakeholders, to increase transparency in fisheries management by joining the FiTI.