The ceremony featured opening remarks from Eduardo Boné-Morón (GCFI), Erick Castro (CAF), Ángelo Bacci (CARDIQUE), Lorna Inniss (IOC/UNESCO), Patrick Debels (PROCARIBE+), and partners from CAF and CARDIQUE.

The Leroy Creswell Memorial Keynote Address was delivered by Alison Clausen, Deputy Global Coordinator of the UN Ocean Decade, on “Ocean Knowledge for Action in the Caribbean – Looking Forward to the Next Five Years of the Ocean Decade.”

Two dynamic Ocean Decade Panel Sessions followed, exploring innovative approaches to sustainable fisheries, marine data sharing, and inclusive governance, with contributions from experts across the Caribbean and beyond.

Afternoon sessions spotlighted small-scale fisheries, highlighting community-driven innovations from Colombia, The Bahamas, and the Yucatán Peninsula.

The day concluded with the lively Fishers Forum and an Opening Reception, setting a collegial and inspiring tone for the week ahead.