Bahamas News
The government provides funding for the Fly Fishing Industry
By BETTY VEDRINE
Bahamas Information Services
NASSAU, The Bahamas — After making a pledge last year of $200,000 to support the country’s fly fishing industry, the Government of The Bahamas made good on its promise: A cheque for $150,000 was presented to the Bahamas Fly Fishing Association during a ceremony, February 17, 2025 held at the Ministry of Agriculture and Marine Resources on East Bay Street; and an additional $50,000 investment will be made to the Small Business Development Centre(SBDC) to further support the industry.
Minister of Agriculture and Marine Resources, the Hon. Jomo Campbell said that this investment signals the government’s commitment and belief in the industry. “This contribution reaffirms the government’s full support to the conservationists and leaders in their efforts to sustain the tourism industry and to support the world’s fly fishing destination,” he said.
In attendance was President of the Bahamas Flying Fishing Association, Prescott Smith, who gave an overview of the development of the
He said that the investment signalled a long journey involving stakeholders from all of the major islands. He also expressed his gratitude for all of the support that the association has received over the years from donations from the country’s citizens and said that the fight for full recognition by the government is critical in order to further expand The Bahamas, which has the world’s largest flats.
Association Member, Valentino Munroe said that the funds will be used to support the administrative aspects of the association, including housing of an office close to the airport, communication efforts, partnerships with operators, among other essentials.
PHOTO CAPTION
The Government of the Bahamas has made a $200,000 investment in the fly fishing industry: A cheque for $150,000 was presented to the Bahamas Fly Fishing Association at the Ministry of Agriculture & Marine Resources on Monday, February 17, 2025; and an additional $50,000 will be made to the Small Business Development Centre to support the fly fishing industry. Pictured seated from left: Chairman, Bahamas Agriculture and Marine Science Institute (BAMSI) Tyrone Fowler; Ministry Undersecretary, Montez Williams; Ministry Permanent Secretary Neil Campbell; Minister Jomo Campbell; and Fly Fishing Association President Prescott Smith, addressing the press conference on behalf of association members. (BIS Photo/Betty Vedrine)