$2M aid for hurricane-hit fishing; concerns linger over repairs

Concerns remain about the quality of repairs and the availability of skilled workers to restore damaged fishing boats as the industry slowly recovers from the impact of Hurricane Beryl, according to boat owners and repairmen.

The fishing industry, which suffered significant damage as storm surges ripped through vessel berths in July, is set to receive nearly $2 million in government aid.

Prime Minister Mia Mottley announced the government funding on Saturday at a nomination meeting in Christ Church, stating that the funds will support boat owners who lost vessels during the storm. She also noted that countries such as Dominica, Rwanda, and the Cayman Islands have offered assistance, with Dominica already sending Eastern Caribbean $1 million.

Canada, too, has pledged its support, following discussions between Mottley and Justin Trudeau’s government in July.

While the funding has been welcomed, industry workers have pointed out that the sector faces deeper structural challenges.

A boat owner whose vessel is undergoing repairs near the Bridgetown Port told Barbados TODAY on Monday the lack of trained boatbuilders is delaying progress. “There are not enough boat workers, so everybody has to wait in line,” he said, requesting anonymity. “I need to get my boat going now because I’ve got bills to pay.”

He also highlighted the absence of a dedicated harbour for fishing vessels, both for protection during storms and for easier repairs.

“We need a safe harbour; the only one we have is for the people with money. Otherwise, we’re like chickens without heads,” another worker at the site added.

In addition to these logistical issues, concerns have been raised about the quality of repairs. An experienced boatbuilder warned that some vessels are being hastily patched up, compromising their long-term safety.

“Some boats are being repaired badly . . . they’re seeing things that need fixing and ignoring them. It’s best to get things done properly so we have a safe fishing industry,” he said.

Captain Steven Greenidge, who has been in the fishing industry for 20 years, echoed these concerns.

He acknowledged that while the government’s financial assistance is significant, the actual cost of repairing a heavily damaged vessel could easily exceed $100 000.

“The boats will cost real money to repair,” he said. “Some of them have serious damage.”

Greenidge also expressed concern about declining fish stocks, an issue he believes needs addressing before fishermen can fully return to sea.

“The fish aren’t around like they used to be. One time, you could catch good flying fish and dolphins in late December, but not now,” he said.

Kemar Harris, president of the Oistins Bay Gardens, agreed that the cash injection is good news but emphasised the ongoing difficulties in sourcing materials and new engines.

“Once, you could buy engines off the shelf. Now you have to order them, and they need to be built,” Harris said, adding that the industry is still in the preparation phase before repairs can be executed.

Despite these hurdles, Harris stressed that the fish supply on the island remains stable through importation.

shamarblunt@barbadostoday.bb