Breds Treasure Beach Foundation

Pictures of the 2002 Hook-N-Line Fishing Tournament:
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Pictures taken by Eric Leversen.

BREDS, the Treasure Beach Foundation, held it’s 6th annual Hook ‘n’ Line Fishing Tournament from the 19th to the 21st in Calabash Bay, Treasure Beach.

BREDS (which is short for Brethren) started this tournament for the purpose of enhancing marine safety. The goal of this year’s tournament was to purchase a radio system with a repeater. This initiative arose from the loss of several area fishermen. The objective was reached, thanks to our many sponsors, including IGL, Hardware and Lumber, Butch Wire by Tankweld and Turman Tackle. The Rt. Hon. Donald Buchanan also made a $100,000 donation towards the radio system purchase. BREDS has now acquired the operating license from Post and Telegraph, making this the most successful tournament to date.

The fishermen went out to sea on Saturday, Sunday and Monday in hopes of reeling in the largest fish. There was also a new competition for the largest tuna and the largest dolphin. After the results were in, one angler walked away with not one, but three prizes. Mr. Noel Blair brought in a 35-pound Kingfish to win first place, $10,000J and a Global Positioning System (GPS). He also came in second with a 34 _ - pound Kingfish and won another $7,500J. There was a three way tie for third place involving Mr. Blair, Mr. Oral Ebanks and Mr. John Gordon, who all caught 30- pound Kingfish. Mr. Blair received a reel, while Mr. Ebanks and Mr. Gordon received $5,000J, GPS devices and two lifejackets. Mr. Tommy Wong caught an 18 _ -pound Dolphin and a 5 _ - pound Tuna to win first place in both categories. He received $12,500J and a GPS. Mr. Raymond Moxam was given an award for sportsmanship, because he left the competition to tow a stranded fisherman back to shore.

The events on Hero’s Day were kept exciting by RJR Radio personality Jenny Jen. She emceed the Bikini Contest and several other fun-filled activities, such as Tug-of-War and a Domino Contest. The crowd then lined the shore for exciting Boat Race, which was won by local fisherman and tour operator Dennis Abrahams. Later that evening, music filled the air, as the residents of Treasure Beach danced the night away to Lovestar’s selections. The hard work of the BREDS Fishing Tournament committee, including Jason Henzell, Darin James, Terry James, Dennis Abrahams and Peace Corps Volunteer Alex Bell paid off in a day enjoyed by all.

The community received one more bonus in the form of an offer from MIDA, the Micro Investment Development Agency. They have pledged a revolving loan of $1,000,000J at a 6% concessionary rate for bona fide Treasure Beach fisherman to purchase safety equipment.

The 6th Annual Hook ‘n’ Line Fishing Tournament was a great success and plans to expand and improve for next year are already underway.