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Portland International Marlin Tournament celebrates 60

Published:Saturday | October 14, 2023 | 12:08 AM
From left: Sable -Joy McLaren, Group Marketing Manager of the FirstRock Group, stands alongside Danville Walker, Senior VP of West Indies Petroleum as well as Tashoni Ellis, Group Marketing Manager of Dolla Financial Services Limited, and David Henriques,
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From left: Sable -Joy McLaren, Group Marketing Manager of the FirstRock Group, stands alongside Danville Walker, Senior VP of West Indies Petroleum as well as Tashoni Ellis, Group Marketing Manager of Dolla Financial Services Limited, and David Henriques, CEO of Ultra Financier Limited during the launch of the Sir Henry Morgan International Port Antonio Marlin Tournament at Cru Bar, 71 Lady Musgrave Road, Kingston on Monday.

AGAINST THE stunning backdrop of the Ole Marina in Port Antonio, the 60th annual Portland International Marlin Tournament will take centre stage next week, marking a remarkable milestone in the world of sport fishing.

Hosted by the Sir Henry Morgan Angling Association, the tournament’s media launch was held at Cru Restaurant and Bar on Monday in commemoration of its enduring legacy, one that has continuously drawn conservation-minded anglers and passionate sport-fishing enthusiasts.

Taking the helm to promote and organise this iconic 60th Port Antonio International Marlin Tournament, which ardently champions environmental stewardship and community support in Port Antonio, is Maxim Rochester.

His unwavering commitment has illuminated a path towards a brighter future for the three beloved angling tournaments (2023 Canoe Tournament, 2024 Port Antonio Spring Tournament and 2023 60th Port Antonio International Marlin Tournament) nestled in Port Antonio’s heart.

During the launch, Rochester emphasised the tournament’s core ethos, “Our philosophy is not just to be fishermen. When we enter a community, we strive to understand their needs. Any marlin under 99 inches or 300 pounds is released back into the wild as an environmental measure.”

He expressed heartfelt appreciation for the sponsors whose support makes the tournament possible, including Sterling Asset Management, First Rock, Best Dressed Chicken, Jamaica Bauxite Mining, Guardian Group, Hi-Pro Ace, and West Indies Petroleum.

Sable-Joy McLaren, First Rock group marketing manager, lauded the tournament’s six-decade journey.

“We’re proud to be the title sponsor, and we stand beside you with pride. It’s a pleasure to witness the gathering of passionate individuals who share a profound love for the sea and the pursuit of marlin. This tournament is more than a competition; it’s a testament to the spirit of sportsmanship, adventure, and camaraderie,” said McLaren.

Sterling Asset Management is sponsoring a boat this year and according to Toni-Ann Neita-Elliott, its vice-president, sales and marketing, the organisation recognises the profound impact of tournaments like the Port Antonio International Marlin Tournament on nation building.

SUCCESSFUL EVENT

“We are pleased to be a sponsor, and we have been for 10 years. On behalf of the team, we want to wish the organisers a successful event, and to the participants, we wish you calm seas and tight lines!”

Andrea Cowan, CEO of Lillian Limited and an avid angler, applauded the tireless efforts of the anglers, saying, “It takes determination to stay the course.”

The 60th Annual Portland International Marlin Tournament promises to be a jubilant celebration of tradition, conservation, and the unwavering spirit of sport fishing. Anglers from across the globe will converge upon the awe-inspiring waters of Port Antonio, testing their mettle while championing responsible sport fishing.

The tournament begins on Wednesday, October 18 and ends Saturday, October 21.