In a sudden announcement that has sent ripples of mourning through Barbados’ fishing sector, the Ministry of the Environment, National Beautification and Fisheries has ordered a nationwide temporary shutdown of all fish markets and landing sites, effective 2 p.m. local time Monday, June 15. The unprecedented step comes in response to the unexpected death of Dr. Shelly-Ann Cox, the nation’s Chief Fisheries Officer.
The temporary closure is not the result of safety concerns or operational disruptions, but rather a deliberate measure designed to support ministry staff and fisheries workers as they process the loss of their beloved leader. All personnel will have access to specialized grief counseling services throughout the day to help them navigate their grief in the wake of the tragic passing.
Normal fishing and market operations are scheduled to resume fully on Tuesday, June 16, once the memorial and support arrangements conclude. In an official statement released by the Barbados Government Information Service (BGIS), the ministry extended its sincere gratitude to the general public for their patience and understanding during this difficult period of mourning.
Colleagues and community members have remembered Dr. Cox as a dedicated public servant who invested her entire professional career in advancing the interests and sustainable development of Barbados’ coastal fishing communities. Her work touched the lives of thousands of industry workers, from small-scale artisanal fishermen to large market operators, leaving a lasting legacy that will continue to shape the sector for years to come.