During the official opening ceremony, held on the 23rd of May, the laboratory was named in honour of the late Clifford Leroy Brooks, a dedicated Turks and Caicos Islander and civil servant for more than 30 years. Mr. Brooks began his career in 1987 as a government Fisheries Officer, before working his way to Senior Officer, then Deputy Chief Fisheries Officer and finally Assistant Director for Fisheries and Protected Areas and Revenue. His career with TCIG was dedicated to bettering the lives of fishermen and developing the fisheries industry. The laboratory was officially opened by Acting Governor H.E. Anya Williams, Premier Hon. Washington Misick, Minister for Tourism, Agriculture, Culture and Heritage, Fisheries, Religious Affairs and the Environment, Hon. Josephine Connolly, and widow of the late Clifford Leroy Brooks.
SAERI is proud to have been an integral part of the vision and development of the laboratory, which has unfolded over the past three years. The lab’s development has been driven through the SAERI-led Darwin Plus 153 project, entitled ‘Conserving tropical marine ecosystems in the TCI through science-based fisheries management’. In remarks during the opening ceremony, SAERI senior marine and fisheries scientist, and DPLUS 153 project manager, Dr Ed Butler stated “this opening is an example of the wonderful outcomes of the ongoing partnership between SAERI and the TCI government, and the collaborative support provided by both the Darwin Initiative funding scheme and TCIG.”, while Minister Hon. Connolly added “Congratulations to the DECR and the SAERI team for their dedication and commitment to seeing the progress made so far with the lab and our marine research. Keep up the good work and let’s continue to excel”. Premier Hon Washington Missick added “It's moments like these when we hear about it that we really owe those of you who are unsung heroes toiling behind the scene needs to be recognized”
Article from the Turks and Caicos Sun: Clifford Leroy Brooks Fisheries And Marine Laboratory Officially Opens In Providenciales