Reproduced from an article by Kevin Charles–Anse La Raye
Yannick Lucea
It is most appropriate that westartourspicyblogs with this apropos piece by Kevin Charles. Written about the youth, by the youth.
Subsistence fishing remain a staple feature on Saint Lucia’s distinct communal culture, boasting anallure that continues to enchant locals and visitor alike. What is uncommon,isadesirebythe youth with their millennial contemporary mindsets to embrace that allure as a lucrative career option. On the rare occasion when we stumble upon gems like Yannick Lucea, it makes for a compelling need to tell the story as is aptly told by a youthful mind;contemporary yetdescryinga paragon among peers.
Commercial fishing and farming are vital contributors to the food security of human beings and the economy of a nation, and are some of the oldest forms of employment around. Though critical to our survival and potentially very lucrative, they are generally not jobs youth would gravitate to in the working world.
However, Yannick Lucea, a vibrant youthful fisher folk from the community of Anse La Raye, hasswum against that tide and challenged the status quo.
Against the background of being a“third generation”fisherman, Yannick inherited his skill, craft and panache from his father and grandfather, who were also fishermen from the community.
Though being a holder of a degree in Diesel Mechanics, he avidly partakes in various forms of fishing which include pot fishing and net fishing however mainly engages in Deep-Sea Fishing
Despite a daring and adventurous voyage, Yannick sets course 10–15-miles out in the Caribbean Sea,where he is aided by a Fish Aggregating Device (FAD) which is a floating object designed and strategically placed to attract fish.
Most frustratingly, he claimed that dolphins can chase other fish away from the FAD and can result in heading home with meagre returns. Also, he emphasized that any fear of the sea is dispersed by his courage and overall love for fishing.
“I do not think I’m fearful of troubled waters as I absolutely love what I do. Also, finding a market fo rthe fish is not a problem as we sell to hotels, local vendors, and business owners.”
Freshly caught fish, crustaceans and mollusks are cleaned and supplied both retail and wholesale to Restaurateurs, Hotels and patrons interested in a small quantity for the next meal. Freshly caught fish, crustaceans and mollusks are cleaned and supplied both retail and wholesale to Restaurateurs, Hotels and patrons interested in a small quantity for the next meal.
The famous Anse La Raye Seafood Friday also presented a market and an opportunity for a quick-fire sale as fishermen docked.
Some common challenges that fisherfolk of the community are faced with which he highlighted are; a lack of funding for appropriate equipment (boats, nets, fishing gear, trolleys etcetera), high fuel costs, high maintenance costs, inconsistencies of a catch and seasonality of fish. Other factors which he deemed important to being a successful fisherman were discipline and good financial management skills.
When asked to share his general advice to youth, Yannick proudly stated, “I think fishing is a career a young individual can excel in. You must know what exactly you want and give it your utmost best. Always look to improve your skills. The thrill of catching a Marlin makes me happy. My biggest catch was about 800 to 900 pounds. I could not bring it in alone. It had to be towed.”
Yannick urges youth to be meaningful in society and is a good example of being steadfast in pursuit of goals despite societal norms. He has forged a career path as a successful fisherman and continues to be motivated to reel in that catch.
We salute Yannick’s bodacious character and look forward to heralding his future exploits. You may splendidly enjoy his catch-of-the-day on one of our Carol’s Kweyol Cooking Classes or on a Come Dine With Us experience. If you visit Anse La Yare, secure a quick audience with this exemplary youth and offer some encouragement.
