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Start of the Spiny Lobster Season 2021-2022

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#TurksandCaicos, August 17, 2021 – The 2021-2022 Fishing Season in the Turks and Caicos Islands, kicked off with a “bang”. Fishers were observed leaving the docks in the early hours of the morning and returning in the late afternoon with boat loaded with Spiny Lobster.

A total of 21,159 pounds of Spiny lobster were landing with 15,032 pounds in South Caicos and 6,127 pounds in Providenciales. When compared to last year’s first day of fishing season with 8,372 pounds (bad weather), the 2021-2022 first day of the season has been highly productive. The Department of Fisheries and Marine Resources Management observed very little lobster that were not of legal size with less than 0.3% of the overall catch undersized. Average landings per vessel were 480 pounds per vessel. The catches ranged in quantity, but the largest amount of landings by one vessel was in South Caicos with 1090 pounds landed by Mr. Conrad Kennedy. The second largest landing by a vessel was by Mr. Ernest Rigby’s vessel, captained by Victor Louis, with a total of 1089 pounds.

Hon. E. Jay Saunders, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health and Human Services, Hon. Josephine Connolly, Minister with responsibility for Fisheries and Hon. Matthew “Jay” Stubbs accompanied the Fisheries and Marine Resources Management (FMRM) Providenciales enforcement team comprising of Director Ms. Thecla Joseph, Deputy Director Mr. Henry Wilson, Assistant Director Law Enforcement Mr. Levard Missick, Captain/Senior Officer Mr. Idi Gardiner and Senior Officer Mr. Paul Dickenson on patrol of the Caicos Banks to observe the operations in ensuring that fishers adhere to Fisheries regulations.

Commenting on the opening of the season, Hon. Connolly stated “we are very happy to announce the opening of the new season to fishers and the general public. We advise to continue to laisse and cooperate with Department of Fisheries and Marine Resource Management to ensure that the supply of these resources remains sustainable for future generation.”

Hon. Stubbs stated “as a Government, we are working with FMRM to see how best we can assist our Fisheries patrol team by providing them with the necessary tools as they continue to deal with issues especially on the opening of the lobster season.” Hon. Saunders also commented that “Preservation of our natural resources is in keeping with the goals of our administration, and therefore we hope that fishers and other relevant stakeholders will work with Government during the season to ensure that the supply remain sustainable in the future”.

The Director of FMRM, Ms. Joseph, in her message “We are committed to enforcing the regulations as it pertains to the lobster season, we will hope that all relevant parties cooperate with the department to avoid penalties or fines as to the laws. The department encourages all persons involved in the harvesting of lobster to remain safe to prevent the loss of life or damage to property.”

The FMRM would like to remind fishers of restrictions relating to crawfish, as per Section 15 of the Fisheries Protection Ordinance (Ordinance 5 of 1941), as amended, are listed below:

Crawfish size restrictions are as follows:

When whole, a length of 3.25 inches measured from the front of the groove between the horns directly above the eyes, along the middle of the back to the rear edge of the back shell; or

When the tail has been separated, a tail weight of 5 ounces whether processed or not;

Fishers are not to be in the possession of any egg-bearing crawfish;

Fishers are not to remove eggs from egg-bearing crawfish;

Fishers are not to take or be in possession of moulting / soft-shelled crawfish or crawfish in early stages of spawning (described as appearing ‘tar-spotted’); and Fishers are to ensure that the crawfish are landed unharmed and whole after being taken and landed at processing plants or at home, unless processed at sea as per the terms of the processing license.

Fishers, and Fish Processing Plants are further reminded to adhere to all COVID-19 guidelines and protocols regarding handling and processing of all lobster products.

 

Bahamas News

Monument Supports Hands for Hunger With Paradise Plates Debut  

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NASSAU, Bahamas — Caribbean Wines & Spirits (CWS), The Bahamas’ leading wine and spirits distributor, proudly supported Paradise Plates, Hands for Hunger annual fundraiser with a flavorful offering of its newest product, Monument Beverage Co.

Monument, which launched this July and is available across six major islands, made its Paradise Plates debut. Guests enjoyed three bold flavors: Peach Passion, Ginger-Lime and Melon Fizz as they socialized throughout the evening.

Monument brand ambassadors engaged guests with knowledge on the ready-to-drink beverage’s unique taste and look. Many attendees were delighted to learn that Monument is 100% Bahamian-made and owned and enjoyed seeing the various national landmarks on the packaging.

The booth was adorned with vibrant brand colors, striped arches, tropical florals and a photo worthy backdrop featuring Monument cans filled with florals cascading down the wall.

At the end of the event, the entire Monument inventory had finished, making Monument’s Paradise Plates debut a huge success.

For more details on Caribbean Wines & Spirits, new products and specials, visit www.cwsbahamas.com today.

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Bahamas News

Schweppes ‘the Art of Mixology’ Dazzles at Paradise Plates with Nemiroff Vodka

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NASSAU, Bahamas — Schweppes, in collaboration with Nemiroff Vodka dazzled guests with handcrafted cocktails during Paradise Plates, Hands for Hunger’s annual fundraiser held at Atlantis’ Imperial Ballroom.

The evenings’ theme, 70’s: Paradise Disco, inspired bold and delicious sips from Schweppes and Nemiroff.  The beautiful disco themed Schweppes booth, adorned with LED signs, lush greenery and hanging black and gold metallic orbs shined throughout the room.

Schweppes’ brand representatives and mixologists dressed in chic 70’s speakeasy attire engaged attendees throughout the night. Guests enjoyed receiving knowledge of each product and experiencing the vibrant energy of brand representatives.

Nemiroff Vodka, which is locally distributed by Caribbean Wines and Spirits (CWS), The Bahamas’ premier wines and spirits distributor; offered a unique variety of vodkas which made the perfect blend with Schweppes. Guests enjoyed, Nemiroff’s Honey Pepper, De Luxe, Burning Pear, Wild Cranberry, and Bold Orange vodkas throughout the night.

Fan favorite cocktails of the night were: the Wild Cranberry Tonic and the Bold Orange Fizz.

Following a positive response at Paradise Plates, CWS is offering Nemiroff and Schweppes specials at local liquor stores for the entire month. With the purchase of any 1-liter Nemiroff vodka, enjoy a complimentary three-pack of Schweppes mixers, to recreate the magic of Schweppes and Nemiroff.

Cara Douglas-Adderley, Senior Marketing Director for Caribbean Bottling (CBC), local producers and distributors of Coca-Cola and Dasani products and CWS shared the inspiration behind the Schweppes and Nemiroff promotion.

“We are thrilled to have paired Schweppes and Nemiroff for Paradise Plates this year, creating a premium cocktail experience for guests. After receiving such positive feedback, we wanted to extend that experience to consumers at home. Throughout October, consumers can visit their favorite watering hole, buy any 1-liter Nemiroff bottle and receive a free three-pack of Schweppes.”

Caribbean Bottling Company is proud to offer Schweppes, Coca-Cola’s premier mixer in collaboration with Caribbean Wines & Spirits and Nemiroff Vodka at Paradise Plates in support of Hands for Hunger’s mission.

For more information on CBC’s philanthropic work, new products and specials, visits www.cbcbahamas.com today.

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Beaches Turks & Caicos gives Enid Capron Primary a pre-term facelift

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PROVIDENCIALES, Turks & Caicos Islands: — Beaches Turks and Caicos has refreshed the grounds of Enid Capron Primary School in Five Cays, Providenciales, ahead of the new school year, with a landscaping team from the resort, pruning and cutting back overgrown branches to give the campus a cleaner, safer look.

The project focused on the school’s exterior plantings, where tangled growth had begun to encroach on walkways and outdoor learning areas. The team spent time trimming hedges, thinning dense shrubs and removing deadwood to improve sightlines and airflow around the buildings.

Assistant Landscaping Manager, Kemar Jones said the work at Enid Capron is a regular priority for the department, which views community giving as a core part of its mandate. He noted that supporting local schools, particularly through hands-on environmental work, has long been a focus area for his team.

Jones, said the effort reflects the group’s wider commitment to the islands. “As a team, our goal is to give back to our communities and especially providing support for the environment and education,” Jones noted. “The team is always ready to share our skills with making the school environment more comfortable for our students and teachers.”

General Manager Deryk Meany framed the project as part of Beaches’ broader approach to working alongside the community beyond the resort gates. “At Beaches Turks and Caicos, we operate as a team not only within the confines of the resort but also with our communities,” Meany added. “Being able to share our varied skills is always our main focus. Providing a comfortable learning environment allows for a greater relationship with our educational collaborators.”

He added that the resort seeks opportunities to support range of school-based initiatives, from environmental and leadership clubs to creative programmes.

Minister of Education, Youth, Sports and Culture Hon. Rachel Taylor described the landscaping mission as a continuation of a long-standing relationship between the Ministry and Beaches Turks and Caicos. “This mission from our major private sector supporter, Beaches Turks and Caicos is a long standing activity,” Taylor said. “At Enid Capron Primary School, we are treated as family. Once we reach out to the resort, they have always responded in a positive way.”

Hon. Taylor said the support is particularly valuable in the areas of education and community development, where consistent private-sector engagement can amplify government efforts.

Nelene Swann, vice principal at Enid Capron Primary welcomed the refreshed grounds as a boost to morale before classes resume. “This is what true collaboration looks like,” she noted. “This is more than a facelift for the school. The team from Beaches Turks and Caicos has shown true commitment in adding to this learning environment for our students and teachers.”

She said the improved landscaping contributes to a more comfortable and inviting campus for all stakeholders. “This is a good way to start the new school year. This facelift will certainly make the facilities here at the school more appealing to our students, teachers and parents.

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