Chief Fisheries Officer Dr Shelly-Ann Cox has passed away.
The Nation understands she collapsed today during the Open Day at Weston Fish Market, Weston, St James.
Former Minister of the Environment Adrian Forde was shocked when he was informed, having spoken to her yesterday.
In the words of the Tina Turner song, Forde said she was “simply the best”.
“It is very, very, very sad news. Me, as the former minister, and the entire Cabinet, really feel distraught by hearing the news. Shelly-Ann brought so much to the industry.”
Cox took up the role in early 2023 at age 35, the youngest and the first woman to hold the position within the Fisheries Division.
“She inspired those in the sector to dream beyond what we consider normal everyday fishing, by introducing technology, by understanding, having the science, and ensuring that the fisherfolk have a proper and tangible stake in this country. And she was dedicated in a way that went beyond our imagination. She will truly be missed, and there is a big void to be filled due to her loss,” Forde added.
He expressed condolences to her family and the fishing community, noting she made an indelible mark in her tenure.
Fish vendor Sharon Bellamy-Thompson was in disbelief and immediately expressed concern for Cox’s son.
“She was very nice. She was the youngest fisheries officer we ever had.
She loved the fisherfolk and did everything for them. She really looked after the interest of the fisherfolk,” she said, expressing her condolences.
Cox had a PhD in natural resource management from the University of the West Indies (UWI) Cave Hill Campus, and a BSc with honours in environmental and natural resource management with marine biology from UWI St Augustine. (SAT)
