Fisherfolk stepping up to assist the needy

The plan by Barbadian fisherfolk to assist the needy during the COVID-19 pandemic was outlined on Friday by fisherman Everton Brathwaite.

According to Brathwaite, Barbados’ fishing community has a two-phase plan to assist vulnerable members of society impacted by COVID-19.

Phase one, which was his brainchild, is the donation of fish to the Ministry of People Empowerment and Elder Affairs to assist in care packages being distributed to the vulnerable in society.

He said during this coming week, several other fisherfolk would return to the island with their haul as part of the donation in phase one.

And, after making an appeal for fellow boat owners and others in the industry to join in and contribute to the worthy cause, Brathwaite explained that a suggestion by another fisherman was now being referred to as phase two.

Phase two is the collection of monies to buy food items. He said the fishing community would “pick up some money and go and buy some food and dish out some food to the people along with the fish”.

Brathwaite noted that phase two had begun with his contribution of $500, and said that they hope to collect about $10,000.

During the trip on board his vessel, Natalie P139, Brathwaite, along with his three-man crew, his brother, Donville; his son, Kevin Callender; and Ivor Philadelphia, caught tunas, including yellowfin ranging in size from 90 to 120 pounds; sail fish; dolphin; and king fish.