News out of Marigot about preparing young adults as professional fishermen (see related story) is encouraging. If successful they will receive a small boat (up to nine metres) boat captain certificate CACPP after 306 hours of training during the next three months.
The course is provided by a maritime school in Martinique, which is where participants will be for the second part and final exam. This allows them to experience another island and new environment, broadening their horizon in the process.
Most importantly, the programme offers those involved an opportunity to develop a sustainable career making use of the island’s natural resources while producing fresh fish that is usually healthier than – often frozen – imports. In addition, it helps preserve a time-honoured tradition and way of life.
The latter is no luxury, considering that there are currently 17 registered fishermen in St. Martin. They are not getting any younger, so introducing “new blood” into this honourable profession should help ensure continuity.
Graduates will also receive guidance in applying for financing including available European funds to purchase or maintain fishing boats and gear. This may greatly improve their chance of success.
The Dutch side too needs to develop similar initiatives, not just for fishing but also farming. It has become clear that promoting more home-grown food is increasingly necessary to reduce vulnerability and keep the cost of living down.
Although the country obviously won’t be self-sufficient in that sense anytime soon, every little bit helps. Only nine persons are enrolled in the French-side fishermen course, but they can still make a significant difference.
Think big, start small.
