Guadalupe Lampella Is Most Outstanding for 2016

Guadalupe Lampella

Guadalupe Lampella has been a fisherwoman for over forty-five years.  She was selected as the Outstanding Fisher Folk for 2016 after meeting the criteria of participating in the decision-making process, assuming her responsibility for sustainability and contributing to food security.

Guadalupe Lampella, Outstanding Fisher Folk 2016

“I have to say first of all that I thank Denise Garcia, she played a big role in this because she contacted me and in a way she encouraged me that I could also participate in this event, because it’s true, I’ve been a fisherwoman for many years but like I think, the fisherman from Antigua said sometimes, you know, they’re not really recognized, especially being a woman, they don’t recognize that and somebody has to bring it to light because for many years, like I said, I raised my children working hard as a man and being a woman.  I mean, not just fishing with line because I do that very little.  I gain my bread by jumping in the water and using fin and mask and snorkels, as well as a Hawaiian sling and a hook.  So that’s the way how I made my money and now after so many years now, I still love the sea.  I still love my boats and my outboard and I still get my license and my captain license and my fishing license and still, like I said, that will never change in my life because the love that I have for the sea is bigger than anything really.  So I can’t change that.”

Aside from the Fisher of the Year Award Ceremony, today is also being commemorated as Caribbean Fisher Folk Day.