Video: Fishing Industry Responds To Govt
The Fishermen’s Association Bermuda has released a video to further respond to the Government, stating that the Steering Committee mostly consists of Government departments and said the Government has “inserted tokenism” to “give the impression that the fishing industry is fairly involved in the consultation and voting process.”
Screenshot from the video statement released
A statement from the organisation said, “It is important for the viewing public to clearly understand that despite the appearance of a ‘to and fro’ exchange of words and/or rebuttals, the licenced commercial/charter fishermen of Bermuda stand together as a unified industry who are capable and willing to engage in the critical dialogue that is robust, meaningful and in a place where mutual respect is foremost.
“This dialogue will bring solutions for an issue that we know is one of national significance and can reverse the potential for irreparably damaging a community involving major stakeholders.
Video comments from the Chairman of both Commercial Fisheries Council and the Fishermen’s Association Bermuda Allan Bean
“There is far too much at stake from the perspective that not only does fishing provide income for a significant group within the wider Bermudian public, it is a major part of identity and heritage for those working in the industry who play a vital role in achieving local food security on the island.
“The stated mission of FAB at this present juncture is to ensure that equitable solutions are achieved that are mutually beneficial to all and pose no significant threat to all parties’ interests whilst having a ‘win-win-win’ solution for the environment, fishermen and towards the common goal of long term sustainability of both.
“In closing, it must be recognised that for every individual standing at the FAB press conference, whilst collectively we are fishermen, we also represent individual business enterprises who must conform to all fisheries regulations, governmental tax requirements et al, which accounts for approximately 130± licence holders who constitute separate business entities on the island of Bermuda.
“To put this into perspective, each licence holder [not including their crew] represents a business, just the same as your grocer, restauranteur or doctor’s office represents a business entity within itself.”
In response, a Ministry of Home Affairs spokesperson said, “This Government has the utmost respect for the men and women of the Fishermen’s Association of Bermuda who work hard every day to provide food to the people of Bermuda. We value their contribution and remain committed to working with the Association in pursuit of a plan that achieves the social, economic, and environmental impacts that matter to the people of Bermuda.”
Bravo Fisherman!! That board looks like every other board government has their hand in. Finally a group willing to speak up publicly. To speak the facts. It is time to be heard! The people in the room, need to be people who actually understand the industry. Understand climate change! Understand economics! Who understand fish stocks. Change is inevitable in life. But change just be for the betterment of all! Fisherman, thank you and know that you have a lot of support!
If you live east of White Hill your opinion doesn’t matter. You were told that by the PLP Government years ago!
The ubpOBA has been doing it for life.
Doing what hmmmm
You know .. telling people to their faces (on video) that they don’t care what you think .
Oh , just a minute , that wasn’t the UBP or the OBA after all , sorry.
I still find it odd that so much of our fish is imported. At times like these when food is expensive why aren’t fishermen allowed limited amounts – sustainable amounts – of net caught fish? Our supermarkets would be full of affordable fish. Line caught doesn’t make economic sense.
Because of the price local fisherman charge.
It costs lots of money to fill their tanks and get new hooks, line, sinker, rope, et al.
Frozen fish and other seafood is cheap as hell brought in by Butterfingers et al.
Math.
Didn’t the farmers have a similar complaint about the Government on farming? There seems to be a trend…
And didn’t the importers have a similar complaint about the Post Office teaming up with MyUS.com?
Seems to be a trend with this govt who supposedly are “FOR the people.”