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The fishing community of Oistins was the centre of national pride on Thursday night as residents, fisherfolk and government officials gathered for the unveiling of a ‘Wall of Honour’ and the launch of a new publication Oistins: Its History & Evolution Residents’ Perspective, which chronicles the community’s rich history and contribution to Barbados’ development. 

The event was held in the Berinda Cox Fish Market and formed part of the activities for the We Gatherin’ 2025 initiative. With Christ Church having its turn in the spotlight, the evening’s focus was on honouring persons who shaped the island’s most famous fishing village.

Delivering the feature address, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office with responsibility for Culture, Senator Dr Shantal Munro-Knight, described the occasion as one of the most meaningful milestones and highlighted that “its focus was on the people whose daily work forms the backbone of Barbadian life”.

“Of all the things that we have done for the Christ Church activities, I think this is perhaps going to be my favourite,” she said, noting that the project reflected “the importance of honouring ordinary people, the right ordinary people who work every single day, who show up every single day to do the things that we don’t see, but who are actually part of that nation-building.”

Dr Munro-Knight also reminded the audience that national development extended beyond classrooms and offices to include the stories and lived experiences of communities like Oistins. 

“Part of what we are attempting to do through the We Gatherin’ initiative is for us to remember our own stories, remember what made our communities great and for us to honour those within our communities who made it so. 

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“Very often we think that the primary way of nation-building is through the formal education system, but within the Division of Culture, we also understand that we have to make space for education through our tangible and intangible heritage,” Dr Munro-Knight maintained.

Dr Munro-Knight announced two major commitments to the Christ Church community, firstly to ensure that the Oistins Heritage Tour will become a permanent fixture on the national cultural calendar and secondly for the newly published book to be made available across schools and libraries.

“This is something we must do for ourselves. I want to make sure this book reaches as many people as possible, because publications like this ensure that our stories are told, preserved, and shared,” she emphasised.

Following her remarks, Minister of Home Affairs and Information and Member of Parliament for Christ Church East, Wilfred Abrahams, reflected on the significance of the project within a broader national and economic context.

Ministers Shantal Munro-Knight and Wilfred Abrahams joined by Lucille Clarke, one of the stalwart fisherfolk whose name was highlighted on the Wall of Honour, and a crowd of supporters at the unveiling. (DT)

“People focus all the time on Bridgetown. But Oistins, for me, remains the commercial capital. Decisions were made here, trade happened here. There is so much to know, so much to learn about Oistins,” Abrahams said.

He also underscored the importance of Barbados seeing itself not just as a small island, but as an oceanic state whose prosperity is intertwined with the sea and those who depend on it. 

“We have to invest in the lives of our fishermen. They are essential to sustaining our economy, sustaining food production and sustaining lives. The men and women who go to sea every day are part of the chain that keeps this country moving forward,” the minister pointed out.

Turning to the Wall of Honour, both ministers noted the significance as it features the names of generations of fishing families and those lost at sea.

The event also featured remarks from Dr Shelly-Ann Cox, chief fisheries officer, who expressed pride in the community’s leadership and dedication to preserving local heritage. She also commended the Oistins Born & Bred community group for ensuring that the history does not go to the graveyard with them.

Copies of the newly released book were presented to Lady Stella St John, widow of former Prime Minister Sir Harold St John, and Minister Munro-Knight, in recognition of their contributions to cultural preservation.As the ceremony concluded and the newly unveiled wall glowed under the evening lights, attendees reflected on the enduring strength of Oistins as a community whose story continues to shape the nation’s identity.

(DT)