Agriculture has, for some time, been the backbone of the Caribbean islands.
When “sugar was king”, many territories flourished from profitable plantations drive by slave labour.
After the abolition of slavery, many territories moved away from the cultivation of sugar to what was called “a more profitable” crop.
Slowly, bananas became king. Wealth poured into the islands, as the Lome Convention afforded an opportunity for islands to reap the rewards of trade.
As in all fairy tales, an antagonist will show its ugly head and this came in the form of Competition. Chiquita reared its competitive head — and being unprepared, the West Indies fell.
With an outcry, we proclaimed the banana industry was dead. We wept for a moment, but then we rose from the economic ashes. We searched and we realized that diversification is key to our revival and survival. Our search led us to the doors of horticulture and aquaculture.
Aquaculture opened the way for a renewed emphasis on the fishing industry. Throughout the Island Neighbours, efforts were made to increase production of fresh water fish and to ensure that the islands always possessed a reasonable supply of fish.
Dominica has been provided much assistance in this sector by foreign governments. Taiwan has been known to provide much assistance in that sector, particularly in the production of shrimp and fresh water fish.
Local farmers are encouraged to become entrepreneurs — an initiative which undoubtedly assists with the gradual decrease of the food import bill.
Martinique and Guadeloupe have similar initiatives which help with food production and the self-sufficiency of the fishing sector.
This sector continues to be very important to the islands, as they help maintain the tourism product, which is so important.
Happenings
St. Lucia’s Atlantic Rally for Cruisers 2018 kicks off from November 23rd to December 10th 2018. The route for this event is Los Palmas to St. Lucia. (More Details on this event will follow. )
Neighbourly GetAways
Turtle nesting season is ending at the eco-resort Rosalie Bay and you are welcome to view the hatchlings. Special incentives are given to guests who visit during turtle-nesting season – save as much as 33% of your total bill.
While at the resort, you can also participate in other turtle-watching activities; count the eggs, measure the turtle, take a picture and keep some lasting memories of your eco-vacation.
Offshore fishing is a traditional source of food for Guadeloupeans. Fish is a popular ingredient of the island’s cultural dish “Colombette”.
Marie Galante (Guadeloupe) is truly the home of fishermen and boat builders. Many tourists visit Guadeloupe to partake in deep sea fishing or fly fishing.
There are also numerous bill fish games for sports fishing.
If you’re up for a challenge stay at the Villa Pistaches in Grand Bourg, Marie Galante.
Consider one of the sports fishing tours and take home from your vacation the best fishing trip story.
History
Historical note! In the late 1990’s Guadeloupe registered over 10 fishing farms to carter for the growing demands of fish. Did you know that Dive Fest is known as the Caribbean’s longest running scuba event? Get to know your neighbours!
A bit of the French for the Visitor
La pêche/ Fishing
Fishing Village
Village de pêcheurs
Fishing Pole /rod
Canne á pêche
Fishing net
Filet de pêche
Fishing line
Ligne de pêche
Fishing Boat
Bateau de pêche
Salmon Fishing
Pêche au saumon
Sea Fishing
Pêcheenmer
Mackerel
Le Maquereau
Tuna
Le thon
Fishes
Les Poissons
Swordfish
L’espadon
Dolphin
La dorade
Smoked Salmon
Saumonfumé
Sardine
Sardine
Herring
Hareng
Crab
Crabe