Written by Deputy Chief Fisheries Officer, Christopher Parker
Chief Fisheries Officer, Dr. Shelly-Ann Cox, passed away on June 13th, 2026, while doing one of the things she loved most - celebrating with Barbadian fisherfolk. Shelly-Ann was passionate about her job, or, rather what she viewed her mission, of protecting the interests of Barbadian fisherfolk and leading the fishing industry on a sure path of sustainable and resilient growth. Her always pleasant and calm demeanor oftentimes belied her focused determination to get things done, and done right, even when faced with strong opposition. Shelly-Ann prided herself with living by a creed of respecting everyone’s beliefs and opinions even if they were counter to her own, always finding a way to work with everyone.
Shelly-Ann made herself accessible to everyone in her orbit including friends, fisherfolk and work colleagues. To this end she freely shared information on how to contact her at any time, even though this sometimes came at the cost of her being engaged in a number of different conversations at the same time and overlapping meetings! However, she took this all in her awe-inspiring stride, efficiently dealing with everyone’s concerns and issues.
She led her staff at the Fisheries Division, which she proudly referred to as her “A Team”, with a rare eminent level of professionalism, cordiality and kindness. Her approach to managing her team was one based on inclusivity where everyone was kept abreast of, and, given the opportunity to have an input in what was going in the entire department. Even as she was effectively managing the major issues of her demanding job, Shelly-Ann always found the time to celebrate her staff, such as keeping detailed records of everyone’s birthdays and other special occasions, followed by being the first to extend best wishes to everyone for whatever was the respective landmark. She valued and acknowledged everyone assuring that her “A Team” remained a happy, cohesive and very productive unit.
Shelly-Ann possessed all the knowledge and skills needed to be the exemplar fisheries manager. In this regard she was an expert fisheries scientist, possessing natural business acumen and skills along with an impeccably comprehensive knowledge of the fishing industry with all its nuances, and possibly all its participants! With her well-rounded knowledge base, charismatic personality and respectful demeanor Shelly-Ann easily engaged all groups of people from the young to the not so young, academics to non-academics, simply everyone. For example, Shelly-Ann moved easily from co-hosting, and actively participating in, the academic-based second annual Research Frontier Symposium that ended on June 5th, just in time to plunge headlong into celebrating fisherfolk month with local fishing communities.
Shelly-Ann was always seen in the thick of it at landing sites across the island. Her passion? Interacting with and honouring those in the fishing industry.
It is bittersweet that just moments before her passing Shelly-Ann was singing the song that her “A” team had sung at the church service marking the 80th anniversary of the establishment of the Barbados Fisheries Division. Unfortunately, that was just 3 months before the destruction wrought by Hurricane Beryl on the fishing fleet in the Bridgetown Fisheries Complex, the response to which would showcase Shelly-Ann’s grit, strength and superlative leadership.
With her passing, the Barbados Fisheries Division has lost a strong, tireless and brilliant leader, the Fishing Industry has lost a fearless champion, and we all have lost a caring friend and a national treasure. Rest in Peace dear Shelly-Ann you will forever be missed.
Other Tributes
Given her wide-reaching impact, tributes have poured out from multiple agencies. Please follow the links below to understand more about the way in which Shelly-Ann touched many lives.