The challenges facing local fishermen, from reportedly being denied access to fishing grounds to inadequate market, were recently highlighted by Virgin Islands Party (VIP) At-Large candidate Mrs Charmaine R. Rosan-Bunbury who said the agriculture and fishing industries have much potential for economic development. Photo: VINO

The issue of local fishermen being deprived their rights to fishing had also come up at a meeting held by another candidate in the race, Mrs Stephanie I. Faulkner-Willams who is running for the Ninth District seat. Faulkner-Williams urged Virgin Gordians to stand up for their rights just like Anegadians do. Photo: VINO/File

“As a matter of fact, our fishermen are faced with challenges every day when they attempt to bring in food from off the sea to sell. They are chased from our sea beds,” said Mrs Rosan-Bunbury as she addressed supporters at The Stickett in the Long Look Community on May 18, 2015.

She said the NDP leaders are guilty of spending more time on the playground of the rich and famous at North Sound and have failed to capitalise on the economic potential of  the agriculture and fishing industries. Producing figures to build her argument, Mrs Rosan-Bunbury said in 2012 the US exported $874.3 million dollars worth of consumer products to the Caribbean, including the BVI. 72% of it she said was agriculture related export, which included poultry, red meat, snack foods, dairy products and processed fruits and vegetables. This included $35.9 million dollars’ worth of fish.

“Now tell me my people why should we be importing fish when we in the middle of the Caribbean Ocean? Don’t tell me it cannot be done. My father was a fisherman. I grew up on fish and local poultry. You need to be able to benefit more directly from this resource.”

NDP has no serious interest in agriculture

She reflected on her childhood when she enjoyed the agriculture fairs but said the event has gone downhill. “The current Administration has no interest in these industries and has neglected the people in the BVI who wish to see these industries thrive. Instead they spend most of their time on what we call the playground of the rich and famous. You know it well, it’s called the North Sound.  Much of their time is spent working with the rich developers pushing that area. Most BVIslanders will never be able to fully benefit from what’s going on out there,” she added.

According to Mrs Rosan-Bunbury, the winds of change are blowing throughout the Region and it is time for District 7 to join with the rest of the Region and the Virgin Islands (VI) to ride the winds of change with Team VIP, considering a new season of political leadership.

“One that is favourable for economic and social development, one that would transform the BVI from a consumer state to a producer state. It is time for us to usher in a change this political season; one that is rich in political maturing that would provide you with great returns on investment in your future,” she said.

Agriculture & fishing critical to development

According to Mrs Rosan-Bunbury, developing the agriculture, livestock, poultry and fishing industries are critical to success in the VI. “I am passionate about the developing of these industries and a VIP government will promote and support the development of these industries. This is how you put people to work, this is how you create employment, this is how you create sustainable business opportunities.

“We must produce or perish. I am interested in promoting and supporting the agriculture and fishing industries initiative.  A VIP Government will support the development of these industries,” said Mrs Rosan-Bunbury.

VG fishermen told to stand up for their livlihood

‎The issue of local fishermen being deprived their rights to fishing had also come up at a meeting held by another candidate in the race, Mrs Stephanie I. Faulkner-Willams who is running for the Ninth District seat.

At one of her recent meetings, Faulkner-Williams responded to the issue raised by a resident, asking "How many fishermen are there in Virgin Gorda? Why are they just sitting in a corner and mumbling about yourself?”

She said Virgin Gordians needed to take a page out of the books of Anegadians who she said do not sit back and allow anyone to dictate for them where they should or should not fish. "I could guarantee you that nobody could go to Anegada and tell them‎ they can't fish within their waters. I love Anegada because when things like that happen they speak out," she said.

According to Mrs Faulkner-Williams, that is the kind of fight that's needed among the fishermen on the island of Virgin Gorda, "because what will happen is their passion will die and the same thing that you don't want to happen will happen. It all goes back to when are you going to stand up for what you believe in. It's yours!"