The Caribbean Regional Fisheries Mechanism (CRFM) Secretariat has announced the sudden passing of Dr. Shelly-Ann Cox, Barbados’ long-serving Chief Fisheries Officer, issuing an official statement of condolence on June 14, 2026 that has been met with an outpouring of grief across regional fisheries and coastal communities.
In the statement released by CRFM Executive Director Dr. Marc Williams, the secretariat shared its profound sadness at the unexpected loss, extending heartfelt sympathy to Cox’s family, close friends, professional colleagues, and every member of Barbados’ fishing community as they navigate this period of profound loss.
Across a decades-long, distinguished career, Dr. Cox dedicated herself to serving Barbados and the broader Caribbean region with consistent devotion, rigorous professionalism, and a deeply rooted passion for marine resource stewardship. In her role as Chief Fisheries Officer, she emerged as a transformative leader, driving major progress in four key areas: the adoption of science-based sustainable fisheries management practices, the building of greater economic and social resilience among small-scale fishing communities, the promotion of responsible long-term stewardship of the Caribbean’s valuable marine ecosystems, and the expansion of cross-border cooperation to address shared challenges facing the regional fisheries and aquaculture industries. Her sharp technical expertise, steady collaborative leadership, and unwavering commitment to equitable progress earned her widespread respect and admiration from peers across the Caribbean and in global fisheries circles.
Cox’s influence extended far beyond the territorial waters of her home country. Through her active participation in regional policy initiatives and close, sustained collaboration with the CRFM and its network of partner institutions, she helped shape landmark policies and community-focused programs that have strengthened regional fisheries governance, improved food and nutrition security for millions of Caribbean residents, and secured more stable livelihoods for thousands of small-scale fisherfolk and fish processing workers across the region. Her insight and perspective were consistently prioritized in high-level regional discussions, and her lifelong work to advance the sustainable development of the fisheries sector has created an enduring legacy that will continue to deliver benefits for Caribbean communities for generations to come.
“Our thoughts and prayers remain with Dr. Cox’s loved ones, her team at the Barbados Fisheries Division, and above all the fisherfolk and fishing communities of Barbados, who have lost a steadfast advocate and unwavering champion,” the statement read. “We encourage those mourning to find comfort in the remarkable impact she achieved during her lifetime, and in the countless lives she touched through her decades of selfless service.”
The CRFM Secretariat said it joins the entire people of Barbados in mourning Cox’s passing and celebrating her life of service dedicated to advancing the Caribbean fisheries sector and improving the wellbeing of all Caribbean people. May her soul rest in eternal peace.