Government vows to take fisheries sector to higher heights

The Ministry of Environment, National Beautification and the Blue and Green Economy has pledged to partner with the fisherfolk of Barbados to ensure the fisheries sector remains a viable stream of employment and a contributor to national development.

Minister Adrian Forde made this commitment during a speech delivered at the Revival Time Assembly in Maxwell Hill Road, Christ Church, on Sunday, where a special church service was held to mark the 80th anniversary of the Fisheries Division.

Forde explained that the division was established in 1944, following a recommendation of the Moyne Commission that was tasked with investigating the poor social and economic conditions that led to the 1937 riots in Bridgetown. 

On the backs of many fisherfolk in a number of small and rural communities, Forde said the sector thrived, and vowed that the government was determined to see the industry reach higher heights through technological advancement and continued partnership with workers in the industry.

“We started a structure, a construct for the industry out of the 1937 riots — out of adversity. It was a noble venture when the division was created then and the sector continues to feed many people in Barbados,” he said.

“Eighty years later, the fishing industry is on the cusps of being one of the most successful industries in Barbados. We have transformed the fishing industry. We have applied technology and science and new approaches [while managing the industry]. We are bringing a new fisheries management bill that will be laid shortly in parliament. It will speak to all the operations of the fishing industry and we have said with the fisherfolk that we will walk with you in partnership along this journey [of progress]. 

“We understand the importance of partnership as it relates to sustainable development. Fisherfolk have said to us that they want to be an integral part of the industry as we create frameworks that speak to how we as an island treat life in the ocean,” Forde added. 

Thanking all the women and men who played a role in the industry so the average Barbadian could have a meal on their table, Forde said the government will continue to put measures in place to advance the industry.

“This government will remain committed to ensuring the sustainable development of the industry and it will stay true to the sustainable development of livelihoods; this is the most important thing and we must ensure that fisherfolk have a tangible stake in this country. So, we are saying to the fisherfolk that those things we have implemented to ensure the basic survival of the industry, such as providing ice at concessionary rates, will continue under this Government. We will ensure there are proper landing sites and facilities so you can properly haul up your boats for repair, that will continue,” he said.

“We just invested $4.5 million to renovate Consett Bay Market and that will be realised in this financial year. We will continue to include technology and training as part of our mandate for the development of this industry. Government is committed to seeing that fishermen get bountiful harvests and we have decided to do the maintenance of fish aggravated devices that will guarantee them better catches. Government is ensuring that all markets are equipped with conservation mechanisms such as water harvesting equipment and photovoltaic systems to help cut back on operational costs. These are just some of the things we are doing to ensure the survival of the industry in a meaningful way.”

However, Forde said that while he was grateful to all fisherfolk who made the industry shine, he said there were certain operational accepts of fishing that could not be condoned such as overfishing, the destruction of biodiversity on the coral reefs and poaching sea eggs.

During the service Chief Fisheries Officer Dr Shelly-Ann Cox said the sector played a significant role as it relates to the Barbadian identity and cultural coastal heritage.