Under the new Sustainable Fisheries Management and Development Act, 2025 , regulations outline a range of species that are either prohibited to catch or have size limits which prevent the sale of undersized fish. Several questions may arise: "What happens if I land undersized fish?", "I heard there are retention allowances. If so, what is the amount and what are the circumstances under which this is allowed?"
Therefore, to ensure the public is well educated on the matter, the Barbados Fisheries Division is pleased to present its inaugural Fisheries Mock Trial Simulation, where the simulation will follow a fact pattern (see attached) focused on addressing:
i. Elements required to prove catching undersized dolphinfish as a strict liability offence under Regulation 9 of the Regulations;
ii. Prohibited species and the fish size and weight limits, and the retention allowances for dolphin fish as provided for in Regulation 9 and Part III of the Second Schedule of the Regulations;
iii. The role of the fisheries observers in gathering evidence as set out in section 46 of the Act; and
iv. The penal provisions for overfishing as set out in Regulation 24 of the Regulations.
We would also like to introduce the star-studded cast that will be involved in overseeing the judicial proceedings:
Sgt. Shane Chase - Police Prosecutor
Currently, Sgt. Shane Chase is employed as a Court Prosecutor and has dedicated nineteen years of service to the Barbados Police Service. He is an accomplished law enforcement professional. He possesses a wide range of operational and investigative competencies because of his experience in multiple departments. Sgt. Chase has been awarded the Barbados Service Medal for his commitment to the Barbados Police Service. Additionally, he has provided Meritorious Service through the Regional Security System (RSS), which has resulted in the acquisition of service medals. Sgt. Chase has recently earned a Bachelor of Science in Law (LL. B) with Honours, supplementing his legal acumen and courtroom advocacy. Additionally, he holds a Master of Science in International Management and a Bachelor of Science in Public Sector Management with Honours. He combines practical experience with legal expertise to promote equitable and effective justice, and he is highly regarded for his integrity, diligence, and dedication to community-oriented policing.
From Left: Magistrate Angela Knight | Middle: Mr. Martie Garnes (Defense Attorney) | Right: Ms. Makayla Williams (Fisheries Legal Consultant)
Sgt. Chase is joined by Magistrate Angela Knight, an Attorney at Law for 27 years has an extensive and distinguished legal career. She has primarily served in government and held numerous key positions, showcasing her broad expertise in law and administration. She currently serves as the Magistrate for the District C Magistrates Court in St. Matthias.
Magistrate Knight's contributions extend beyond her magisterial duties. She is also the author of the notable book, "The Role of Women in the Construction Sector in Barbados," a work that explores and documents the significant contributions of women in a traditionally male-dominated field.
Martie Garnes, Attorney-at-Law will act as our Defense Attorney. Mr. Garnes specializes in Criminal Law in Barbados. As Convenor of the Criminal Law Committee of the Barbados Bar Association, Mr. Garnes has led key reform efforts to improve the criminal justice system. In 2024, he received the inaugural Barbados Bar Association Recognition of Excellence Award for his outstanding work in Criminal law.
Makayla Williams, Attorney-at-Law and Legal Consultant for the Barbados Fisheries Division. Ms. Williams is a legal professional with experience in Maritime and Fisheries Related Law and governance which she uses to support the recently enacted Sustainable Fisheries Management and Development Act for the Division. Ms. Williams also coordinates the educational initiatives in support of the newly enacted Sustainable Fisheries Management and Development Act and its associated suite of laws.
Proceedings will also feature:
1. Fisheries Biologist (“Charles Boone”) - Mr. Kodi Edwards
2. Fisheries Observer (“Simon Ince”) Mr. Olushola King
3. Fisheries Protection Officer (“Tariq Jules”) Mr. McAndrew Ottley
4. Police Constable (“Constable Kenny”) - Constable Andre Howard
5. Seafood Market Seller (“Karen Knite”) Ms. Akeila Chapman
6. Captain (“Kelsey Kelp”) - Mr. Wayne Rose
7. Crew (“Bill Moorely”) - Mr. Jason Kinch
8. Boat Agent (“Davy Jones”) - Mr. Everton Brathwaite
9. Boat Owner (“Celeste Maynard”) –Ms. Tia Chapman
10. Court Marshall - Mr. Troy Browne
The mock trial will be hosted at the Moot Court Room in the Law Faculty of the University of the West Indies, Cave Hill Campus on the 27th of August at 2:00 P.M.
Please see the agenda below:
Cover photo credit: Xavier King