Beryl: Rotarians launch boat restoration Initiative

The Rotary Clubs of Barbados have unveiled a significant project aimed at reviving the island’s beleaguered fishing industry in the aftermath of Hurricane Beryl, which inflicted extensive damage on boats and infrastructure.

Gregory Hazzard, president of the Rotary Club of Barbados West, outlined the initiative: “We think that the most impactful way we can help is to find boats that have been slightly or moderately damaged so that we can get [them] back into the water as fast as possible.”

The strategy involves providing fibreglass resin and fabric for repairs through Fiberpol Inc. “Five thousand dollars will probably cover the cost of repairing three boats,” Hazzard explained. “Between the three clubs, Rotary Club of Barbados South, Rotary Club of Barbados West, and Rotary Club of Barbados, we hit the ground running with $40 000, which will help 12 boat owners or so get their vessels back into the water out there fishing.”

The initiative has been warmly received by the fishing community. Natasha Clarke, president of the Oistins Fisher Folk Forward Association, expressed gratitude for the assistance: “You don’t even understand how we feel right now to know that we are still getting help. We don’t want any money. We would like material so we can assist as many boats that have not been severely damaged to get back on the water as soon as possible.”

Clarke described the current state of the industry: “There are not many boats going out now because you know that most of the boats were extensively damaged. But basically, everyone has been going down to Bridgetown trying to get their boats hauled up.”

Ryan Emtage, Fiberpol’s managing director, explained his company’s involvement: “When I saw what happened to the boats following Hurricane Beryl, although we had stopped building boats, we still had raw materials because we build fibreglass tanks. The same raw materials. And it seemed as though, from what I could assess from the market, following up after the tragedy happened, there was a lack of materials on the island.”

Adrian Wiltshire, president of the Bridgetown Fisherfolk Association, underscored the far-reaching effects of the hurricane and the significance of the support: “I would like to extend my deepest gratitude to all the parties involved for assisting in such a rough and hard time with the material to start the rebuilding process or the repair process of these vessels, who service so much in our community that numbers cannot really tell the true story.”

Nikita Gibson, co-chair of the Oistins Fish Festival Committee, highlighted the cultural and economic importance of the fishing community: “Our fisherfolk, whether it’s Oistins, Bridgetown, or any of the other ports within Barbados, really are the foundation of our culture, the foundation of our livelihoods.”

Hazzard noted the extent of the damage: “Hurricane Beryl, apart from destroying our beaches on the west coast and on the south, has really taken a turn in the local fishing industry. The destruction has been pretty significant.” 

(RG)