In a significant move for regional collaboration, four Caribbean nations—Anguilla, The Bahamas, Dominica, and Montserrat—have officially joined the Caribbean Regional Fisheries Mechanism (CRFM) by signing the Agreement Establishing the organization. The signing ceremony took place during the Sixteenth Special Meeting of the CRFM Ministerial Council, held as part of the Caribbean Week of Agriculture in Saint Kitts and Nevis. The event, organized under the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Secretariat, marked a milestone in regional fisheries management. Representatives from the four nations, including Hon. Roland Royer of Dominica, Hon. Kyle Hodge of Anguilla, Mr. Montez Williams of The Bahamas, and Hon. John P. Osborne of Montserrat, collectively signed the agreement, underscoring their commitment to sustainable fisheries practices. Dr. Marc Williams, Executive Director of the CRFM Secretariat, lauded the decision, emphasizing the importance of their active participation in the organization. Established in 2003 in Belize City, the CRFM is an intergovernmental body under CARICOM dedicated to the sustainable management of marine and aquatic resources. The CRFM has implemented several key policies to enhance governance, including the Caribbean Community Common Fisheries Policy (CCCFP), Personal Data Protection Policy, Anti-Bribery and Anti-Corruption Policy, and Whistleblower Policy. These initiatives aim to promote transparency, integrity, and sustainable resource management. Dr. Williams also highlighted the CRFM’s efforts to adopt gender-sensitive approaches and incorporate the perspectives of youth and Indigenous communities in its initiatives. With the addition of these four nations, the CRFM now comprises 17 member states, furthering its mission to manage shared, migratory, and straddling fish stocks effectively. The organization continues to provide technical advice and consultative services to national fisheries authorities, supporting the conservation and sustainable utilization of marine resources.
