The BVI is hosting the Scrub Island Blue Marlin Invitational Tournament as efforts continue in the development of the Territory’s Sports Fishing Industry.

The three day tournament is being held at the Scrub Island Resort, Spa & Marina.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Natural Resources and Labour, Dr. the Honourable Kedrick Pickering said he recognised the significance of the Scrub Island Blue Marlin Invitational Tournament as adding to the development of the Territory’s sports fishing industry.

At the opening ceremony on August 14, Minister Pickering commended the organisers and the participants for selecting the BVI to host such an event and for their role in the development of the sports fishing sector of the fishing industry.

The Minister stated that when the Scrub Island Resort was conceptualised some ten years ago, it was, in part for this particular purpose. He said, “The North Drop is 45 minutes from Scrub Island, making it the ideal location to host these kinds of tournaments.”

Fishing tournament organiser, Captain Skip Smith and Scrub Island Resort, Spa & Marina collaborated to give blue marlin enthusiasts a new venue in response to several billfish tournament teams, owners and captains’ requests.

 Minister Pickering further added that the planned re-establishment of the Fishing Advisory Committee was imminent, and that this appointment is intended to advance the dialogue on collaboration between the fishing sector, private sector and Government.

The event commenced with a “Kickoff” Party, Cocktail and Dinner which was attended by Government officials and representatives from the fishing industry including key local fisherman and captain Mr. Kevin Gray who continues to devote much of his time to the development of the fishing industry and Jerry Emmanuel, local fisherman and President of the BVI Sport Fishing Association.

The tournament has attracted a total of 14 boats from Florida, Puerto Rico, the United States Virgin Islands and the British Virgin Islands.

The teams will take advantage of the North Drop, located about five (5) miles to the north of Anegada. The tournament will conclude with an Awards Dinner tomorrow August 17.