BELMOPAN, Belize (CMC) — The Caribbean Regional Fisheries Mechanism (CRFM) has announced that four Caribbean nations—Anguilla, The Bahamas, Dominica, and Montserrat—have officially formalized their membership in the 22-year-old organization. The signing ceremony took place during the Caribbean Week of Agriculture held recently in St Kitts and Nevis. Established in March 2003 in Belize, the CRFM now boasts 17 member states actively engaged in the sustainable management of regional fisheries. Dr. Marc Williams, CRFM Executive Director, emphasized the organization’s commitment to meeting member needs with available resources while addressing governance and financial challenges. He highlighted key policies such as the Caribbean Community Common Fisheries Policy (CCCFP), which facilitates collaborative scientific research, fish stock assessments, and sustainable fisheries management. Additionally, the CRFM has implemented policies like the Personal Data Protection Policy, Anti-Bribery and Anti-Corruption Policy, and Whistleblower Policy to enhance governance and transparency. Dr. Williams also noted the CRFM’s focus on gender sensitivity and inclusivity, ensuring that initiatives consider the needs of youth and indigenous communities.