A wave of grief has swept through the fishing industry following the sudden death of Chief Fisheries Officer Dr Shelly-Ann Cox, as fisherfolk and vendors recall her hands-on approach, strong community ties and push to modernise the industry.

Dr Cox, 38, the youngest person and first woman to lead fisheries oversight in Barbados, collapsed while presenting an award at a fishing event at Weston, St James, on Saturday. Efforts were made to revive her at the scene before she was reportedly rushed to hospital, where she was later pronounced dead.

Remembered as a passionate advocate, educator and tireless champion for fisherfolk whose impact far exceeded her relatively short tenure, she was hailed as a transformative figure who strengthened ties between the Fisheries Division and fishing communities while promoting education, disaster preparedness and youth involvement.