Carrot Bay Cultural Fiesta Honouree, Melvin Hyman (with plaque) is flanked by Minister for Education and Culture Hon Myron V. Walwyn (left) and First District Representative Hon Andrew A. Fahie. Photo: VINO

The cutting of the ribbon for the opening of the Carrot Bay Cultural Fiesta last evening, August 4, 2016. Photo: VINO

The Melvin Hyman Fisherman's Tournament was won by Smith Robin, who had the most catch overall. Photo: VINO/File

Mr Smith Robin won the Fisherman's Tournament in Carrot Bay for the second consecutive year. Photo: VINO/File

This he expressed when he received the honour of having the annual fishing tournament named after him- the Melvin Hyman Fisherman’s Tournament.

Following a three hour delay to the opening ceremony for the Carrot Bay Cultural Fiesta, the third and final leg of the Virgin Islands Emancipation celebrations, the Minister for Education and Culture Hon Myron V. Walwyn officially declared it open on August 4, 2016.

The tournament was the first part of the cultural fiesta and musical entertainment such as Relentless the band, Show time band, Haitian compa band-Carimi, who was expected to put on their final show as a band, and Kes the band, followed.

On day two-Friday August 5, 2016, there will be a cultural day with children races, donkey races, tug of war, festival glow party, with performances from O.M.G, the Original Bouyon Pioneers, Krosfyah, Christopher Martin and VIBE.

Day three- Saturday August 6, 2016, the band Synergy and Poison are slated for musical entertainment and boat races and a VI Classic Car show will take place.

Honouree

Born in the community of West End, to Richard and Olivine Hyman, Melvin was first a construction worker when he moved to fishing. At that time it was a very common trade and with the assistance of families and friends, he tried his hand at line and seine fishing around the islands. In those days, his daily catch could be found in St Thomas, St John, Carrot Bay, Brewers Bay and Cane Garden Bay and he can still be found fishing in Jost Van Dyke and Thatch Island.

Melvin’s hobbies include cooking and fishing and remarked that he is grateful that the tournament was named after him since he felt that he was receiving his honour while still alive.

Smith Robin wins fisherman's tournament again

Meanwhile, the Melvin Hyman Fisherman’s Tournament was won by the territory’s top fisherman, Smith Robin, who also won it last year.

Robin, with his vessel Robin II, had the most catch overall and accumulated 239 points.

Overall Biggest Tuna was captured by Larry Henley with his boat-Impala Worldwide. His tuna weighed over 70 pounds.

Dan Farrington, in his boat X Rated, won the award for bringing in some 115 pounds of fish in the B Class.

The first boat to arrive was Samba, skippered by Lean and Jordan Romney, bringing in 37 pounds of fish.