SXMElections.com

MARIGOT--Retired fisherman Grégoire Ratchel was honoured by the Collectivité for his lifelong contribution to the community at the opening of the 13th Annual Fish Day celebration in French Cul-de-Sac on Sunday.

He was presented with a plaque by First Vice-President Guillaume Arnell and Vice-President Wendel Cocks. Each year a fisherman is traditionally selected for the honour. A delighted Ratchel (82) from St. James spent a few minutes reminiscing with the audience over how it was "back in the day." He had a varied career as a sailor, transporter of cargo and a fisherman.

Fish Day was originally conceived by the Collectivité's Arts and Culture Department to commemorate St. Martin's hard-working fishermen. Today it has evolved into a major cultural event showcasing the best of local entertainment and cuisine under the slogan "From the Sea to the Pot." New branding and logos have given the event a fresh image this year.

Prime Minister Marcel Gumbs and Acting Minister of Public Health, Social Development and Labour VSA Rita Bourne-Gumbs joined the French-side Vice Presidents and Councillors, Préfet Philippe Chopin, and President of the Economic, Social and Cultural Council Georges Gumbs for the opening ceremonies.

Also present were President of Fishermen's Association Fort-de-France, Martinique, Mirella Meraut, whose delegation attends every year in connection with the agreement between the fishermen associations of Martinique and St. Martin, and head of the Chamber of Commerce's Fishing Commission, Gary Page.

Opening remarks were made by First Vice-President Guillaume Arnell, Marcel Gumbs and Préfet Chopin.

Marcel Gumbs acknowledged fishing is hard work and joked about not arguing over the price of fish.

"I understand some fishermen go out all night to fish and come back next morning. I love fish, but sorry, night time is for sleeping and not to be in another creature's territory, but on the other hand if they didn't go out we would not get fish."

On a more serious note he referred to recent agreements made about demarcation of sea borders.

"St. Maarten/St. Martin has very small amounts of water where fishermen can say they are fishing in our waters," he disclosed. "There have been complaints where fishermen from St. Martin have been restricted from fishing in Anguillian waters and needed a license but when the new Government is in place in Anguilla we should, in the spirit of working together, request a meeting to talk about giving our fishermen an easier way to fish in their waters."

Gumbs also invited companies from the Dutch side to follow the lead of Caribbean Liquors and Tobacco in sponsoring major events on the French side.

Elected officials were then taken out in a boat to the channel between the point and Pinel Island where a wreath was placed in the water in memory of fishermen who passed after a prayer by Pastor Hodge. There was a light hearted moment when a fishing pot was brought up and Guillaume Arnell and the Préfet released a small fish and a crayfish, reminiscent of the US ceremony of pardoning a turkey at Thanksgiving.

Managing Director of Caribbean Liquors and Tobacco Georges Gréaux Jr. was later presented with a commemorative poster by Vice-President Wendel Cocks and Territorial Councillor for Culture Rollande Questel in recognition of his company's sponsorship since 2009.

From midday onwards, and after blowing of the conch shell by Silviane Troudart, emcees Ricky Da Phox and Old Man Paben introduced a packed agenda of entertainment and activities that were due to continue on into the evening.

Security was tight in the Fish Day Village with patrols of Police and Gendarmes visible. Visitors were frisked airport-style at the entrance. The event attracts approximately 10,000 visitors throughout the day.