Some of the participants at the workshop observing the display at the Fisheries Division Headquarters.

On Wednesday, May 8th, 2024, the Employability Unit of the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Community Empowerment, in collaboration with the Barbados Fisheries Division, hosted a Career ‘Taster Day’ at the Fisheries Division Headquarters in Bridgetown, St. Michael.

The aim of the Taster Day was to expose young persons to the various careers available in the Fisheries and Maritime Industry. Approximately, 20 young persons were able to hear first hand from Employees in the Fisheries Division, the Barbados Coast Guard, a local Fisherman, President of Barbados National Union of Fisherfolk Organisation (BARNUFO) and a Maritime Lawyer on their experiences within their respective careers.

Vernel Nicholls, President of BARNUFO, gave her testimony on her journey from a Fish Cleaner to now being an Entrepreneur and employing other persons. She urged them to ignore the stigma surrounding the Fishing Industry and see it as a fruitful way to provide a livelihood for themselves and their family.

Local Fisherman, affectionately known as ‘Rowser’, told the group that it was important that they develop the right mindset before they go out on the sea. He recollected that some of his fishing trips lasted eighteen (18) days at a time. He told them that although it may seem like a long time, the payoff was worth it.

Rowser also spoke on the need to have young persons getting into the industry as it was now mostly made up of older persons who are almost at the end of their careers. Maritime Lawyer, Randicia Kellman, also spoke to the group and detailed the other opportunities available in the Maritime Industry, including working on cruise ships, coastal zone management, maritime environmental protection and more.

Following the presentations, the group visited each set up around the room and spoke to the presenters in greater detail about their industry. The Employability Unit is developing a six week workshop for interested persons, who want to go even further into the Fisheries and Maritime Industry.