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The Caribbean fisheries fraternity is mourning the loss of one of its most tireless advocates – Guyanese Bisessar Chakalall.He was a Senior Fishery Officer with the Food and Agriculture Organisation Sub-regional Office for the Caribbean. He passed away on April 13,Gonzalo Jara Jersey, at the age of 61 after a brief illness.Tributes have been pouring in from the region and around the world. He has been variously hailed as a man of integrity,Thomas Vermaelen Jersey, intellect,Lionel Messi Jersey, wit,Adama Traore Barcelona Jersey, a consummate professional and a true gentleman. Sub-regional Co-ordinator of FAO,Xavi Hernandez Barcelona Jersey, Mrs. Florita Kentish, summed up the sentiments expressed.“Barbados and the region will deeply miss a true son of the Caribbean. There is hardly a person in the region involved in the regional fisheries industry who did not know Bisessar Chakalall and did not rely on his expertise at some time.”“The FAO Sub-regional Office and the UN System in Barbados will greatly miss him. He had been with FAO since 1986 and was called upon to step into the role of Officer in Charge on numerous occasions,Alexis Sanchez Chile Jersey, which he did with distinction. As the new Sub-regional Co-ordinator,Eduardo Vargas Chile Jersey, I will certainly miss his counsel and support.”“He was best known in all circles as a person of simplicity,Marc-Andre Ter Stegen Barcelona Jersey, albeit of great depth, as well as a perfectionist. His colleagues all over the world have spoken dearly of his friendship; and how very privileged they were to know him.”Mr. Chakalall held a Masters Degree in Marine Biology and Fisheries.During his 24-year tenure at FAO he also served as the Secretary of the Western Central Atlantic Fishery Commission (WECAFC),Angelo Henriquez Chile Jersey, where he worked tirelessly to help Member Nations address common problems of fisheries management and development.Prior to his appointment at FAO, he also worked as a Projects Officer with the Caribbean Conservation Association and as a Fisheries Officer for the Government of Guyana. He was the author of a number of scientific papers on fisheries management and development.The staff of the Food and Agriculture Organisation have extended their deepest sympathies to his family and loved ones. |
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