Life Choices and A Quest for Change 🌱

6 days ago3 min read

Updated: 5 days ago

Me, my uncle Steady Heights (Dad's youngest brother ) and Ru, my dear friend.

Every so often, I reflect on my life decisions. It's the St. Patrick's Festival in Montserrat, and many of our friends and family who were displaced by the volcanic eruptions of the 1990s have returned to enjoy the festivities commemorating the Montserrat Slave Rebellion of 1768. I was thrilled to see my friend Ru and her mother, Betty. Ru wanted to catch up, and since I felt my project work was pretty up-to-date, I spent the afternoon discussing everything from men, the economy, fisheries, trade, diasporan affairs, the whole gamut. Yet, I might've been mistaken but I noticed the look of concern on Ru's face. "Veta, you've been doing this work for such a long time. Why isn't the government supporting you?" she asked. But in my mind, I thought she really wanted to ask, "Why aren't you more successful? Why isn't The Clubhouse a more renowned business?"

In that moment, I often experience a mix of embarrassment, disappointment, and frustration. Yes, my grey hairs are showing; I've been working in sustainability and marine conservation for over 12 years! Surely, by now, I should be able to employ a full time team. It's only natural to question what I might have done wrong or could have done better. But in these unique circumstances—an island with an aging population, an active volcano, and no real economic activity (net loss balance of payments)—the most common lament is, "We don't have enough money." The sole hand up comes through government or UK partnership - Montserrat's economy is dependent on development aid, so I reckon I'm doing pretty darn good considering, I'm a single mom and I started this business with 0$ in the bank and no guidebook or mentors.

There have been opportunities for greater government collaboration that could've truly support the legacy of our community work, but amid priorities from healthcare to education and energy, the island faces numerous challenges, and Fish'N Fins isn't really one of them. In fact, this island has yet to recover from the volcanic crisis of 30 years ago - so you could only imagine the efforts required to rebuild trust with the land and people.

I remain here because representation matters! I believe that funding and collaborating with black-owned, women-led organizations in ocean conservation is part of a transformational shift that our region and world need. Beyond capital, it's about influence and reshaping industries differently. Even in islands with more established blue economy readiness and infrastructure like Seychelles, women can engage in tech and education but not lead yet. Plus, few feel they can pause to have children. So the more we change how we work ( because it can't be how men used to rule and work), the sooner more support and harmony will be available for individuals like me.

"Collectively, our islands control 30% of the global ocean, offering unique leverage to build more equitable blue economies and attract investments."

Our collective efforts to preserve and protect our blue backyards not only benefit our communities but also enhance the health of our oceans for future generations.

Well-being in the Blue Economy

Take a moment and enjoy some calming footage from our Fish ‘N Fins Project, using community science to gather data to inform sea turtle conservation in Montserrat. This project was made possible by a New England Aquarium's Marine Conservation Action Fund.

This week’s action plan/representation

I'm in St.Kitts for the 2025 WIDECAST ( Wider Caribbean Sea Turtle Conservation Network ) Annual General Meeting. Presenting on the topic: In-Water Turtle Monitoring: A Blue-Tourism and Community-Based Strategy for Montserrat.

We can’t really avoid economic development, as it’s critical to enhancing people’s well-being, the places we love, and the environment we need. But we can do so by working together to find a balance and helping others realise their dreams. I’ve got some ideas, and I hope to secure long-term support in realising them.

If you want to meet virtually or in-person while I’m here in St. Kitts or book me for speaking events in the future, here is my calendar: www.calendly.com/vetawade

Until next time,

Veta

Remember, you can directly support my work by :

Donating to Fish 'N Fins Paypal, or Hiring me for: