Antigua and Barbuda's Minister of State in the Ministry of Agriculture, Lands, Fisheries and the Blue Economy, Hon. Randy Baltimore, has been elected Chair of the Ministerial Council of the Caribbean Regional Fisheries Mechanism (CRFM) — the regional inter-governmental fisheries body of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM).
The election took place during the Twentieth Regular Meeting of the CRFM Ministerial Council, convened via teleconference. Minister Baltimore succeeds Hon. Kyle Hodge, Minister of Economic Development, Industry, Commerce, Lands, Planning, Water, and Natural Resources of Anguilla, who served as Chair during the previous year.
In accepting the Chairmanship, Antigua and Barbuda reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening regional cooperation, promoting sustainable use of marine resources, supporting fisherfolk livelihoods, and advancing innovative solutions to challenges facing the fisheries sector — including climate change, illegal fishing, and marine resource management.
"The Government of Antigua and Barbuda looks forward to working closely with CRFM Member States and regional partners to further the sustainable development of the Caribbean's fisheries and blue economy sectors during its tenure as Chair," Minister Baltimore said. He noted that he had recently been assigned to the portfolio following national elections.
Supported by Caribbean Fisheries Forum Chair Mr. Ian Horsford, who also serves as Antigua and Barbuda's Chief Fisheries Officer, the Council addressed a broad range of topics during the meeting. Ministers deliberated on bolstering aquaculture development, improving food security, strengthening resilience to climate and disaster risks through insurance, and progress made in combating illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing. The session resulted in the passage of 19 resolutions critical to the advancement of the fisheries and aquaculture sector.
The Council approved a new five-year aquaculture action plan, along with a biennial work plan and budget for the CRFM covering 2026–2027. Ministers also received updates on three regional initiatives: the Canadian-funded Sustainable Technologies for Adaptation and Resilience in Fisheries (STAR-fish) Project; the IICA/EDF-EU Food Security Project; and the GEF/FAO/CAF/CRFM BE-CLME+ Project focused on promoting national Blue Economy priorities through marine spatial planning in the Caribbean Large Marine Ecosystem Plus.
CRFM Executive Director Dr. Marc Williams addressed the Council at the close of the meeting, emphasising the importance of the moment. "The Caribbean stands at a pivotal moment when sustainable fisheries, aquaculture, the Blue Economy, climate resilience, and ocean governance must be integrated to secure prosperity for present and future generations," he said. "I encourage all Member States to maintain their strong engagement in implementing today's resolutions and to continue supporting the CRFM as a premier regional institution for fisheries and ocean governance."
Dr. Williams added that the Council's decisions on the work plan and budget, financial management, staffing, and strategic priorities provide a strong foundation for delivering tangible benefits to communities dependent on marine resources.
The Ministerial Council is scheduled to convene again later this year during the 20th Caribbean Week of Agriculture in Jamaica.
