Scotiabank's Olanzo Boynes and Judy Ann Wade of the Carrot Bay Cultural Fiesta Committee are all smiles as they hold the an oversized cheque symbolising the bank's contribution to the upcoming 2013 Benito Potter Memorial Fisherman's Tournament being held as part of the Carrot Bay Fiesta and the larger BVI Emancipation Celebrations.. The sport fishing tourney has become a well anticipated event attracting experienced local anglers and other fishing enthusiasts from across the region looking to make heavy weight catches of Kingfish, Dolphin, Mahi Mahi or Tuna. Photo: Provided

The sport fishing tourney has become a well anticipated event attracting experienced local anglers and other fishing enthusiasts from across the region looking to make heavy weight catches of Kingfish, Dolphin, Mahi Mahi or Tuna.

The winners of the tournament in recent years have brought in catches weighing in excess of 30lbs per fish. Sport fishing has become a popular activity in the in BVI as the island builds its notoriety for the marine activity. According to the Carrot Bay Festival Committee, an increasing number of anglers from as far as Dominica have been demonstrating interest in the competition.

“Over the past 50 years, the Carrot Bay Cultural Fiesta has established the reputation of highlighting the reason for our Emancipation Celebration and promoting BVI Culture through drama, song, cultural presentations, Torch Light Procession, Local Dish Competition, Fisherman's Tournament, Donkey and other traditional Cultural Races etc. We have also become known for providing the BVI Community with reputable local and regional entertainment” explained Judy Wade of the event’s organizing committee.  She added that “the committee is expressing heartfelt thanks to Scotiabank for its monetary contribution towards the making the 2013 Benito Potter Memorial Fisherman's Tournament possible. This is a part of the Carrot Bay Cultural Fiesta that people look forward to and we are delighted that the Bank is supporting this indigenous cultural activity.”

Scotiabank’s Managing Director, Jason Waters said that the Bank is very proud to join the island in the cultural celebrations this year. The Fishing tournament has been a huge part of the activities for the past half century and we know people enjoy the sport fishing and the huge catches that are made. We identify with the Fishing Tournament Sub-Committee in their mission to serve to promote, develop, encourage and enhance continued growth of the fishing industry amongst the fishermen and the BVI Community.  Scotiabank knows that the BVI is a true marine community and we are excited about promoting fishing not just a watersport but as potentially viable economic activity.”

Since the inception of the Carrot Bay Cultural Fiesta, over 50 years, the event has been revamped to introduce several new elements as the Committee focuses on exposing the greater Virgin Islands Community to the beauty and culture of the Carrot Bay Community. The Festival continues to be a family-oriented event, thanks to the supporting sponsors, entertainers, committee and fans and is upholding its mission to create an awareness of the great contributions people of this Community have made and are still making to the surrounding Virgin Islands Community.