Fisherfolk struggle to recover from ‘Beryl’ as Christmas approaches

With Christmas fast approaching, the fishing community is still grappling with the aftermath of Hurricane Beryl, which devastated their industry. 

Despite slow sales and rising prices, vendors remained hopeful, adapting to new challenges while keeping their spirits high.

When Barbados TODAY visited the Bridgetown Fisheries Complex, vendors there expressed optimism despite the challenges. 

“It ain’t like how it used to be years ago, but you’ve got to be contented, very much contented. The little bit that is coming, we are still managing to keep our heads above water,” said Jemma Harris.

She noted that, with the slight increase in prices, customers are purchasing less than they usually do.

“They’re a little hectic with the prices, but some say: ‘Well, you can’t eat the money, so you buy a piece of fish.’ If they wanted six pounds, they’ll probably buy four. They’ll cut down on the amount they were buying, but I’m very contented—very much so.”

Another fish vendor expressed her gratitude for the little sales they get: “Around this time, fish don’t really sell as people tend to stock up on chicken and pork. However, next week after Christmas, sales might pick up. You’ve got to thank God for whatever you get.”

She explained that while sales sometimes increase, it is not consistent, as it depends on the available catch.

“With Hurricane Beryl, we have to source our fish from the processors. Sometimes a lot of people aren’t trying to go out, so you have to wait and see what they bring.”

The vendor also mentioned that government assistance has helped somewhat, though some are still waiting for funds: “The government was supposed to give us $4 500, which is $1 500 per month. I only got it once. They have to give me two more payments, but I don’t know what is going to happen. The money was for us, and they should give it to us. Some people only got $15, some got all, and others haven’t received anything.”

Vendor Ikema Sobers said she too received government assistance once but feels the disbursement process was not fair.

She explained: “I have received $1 500 only one time, but they said they would give us more. The government promised $4 800, but we only got $1 500 as vendors. Without the fishermen, we can’t get fish, but we’ll make do with what we have. I think we should all get the money fairly; that’s my point of view.”

She also expressed disappointment in the lack of sales but remained optimistic: “Sales have been slow, but it’s going to come. We have enough fresh marlin, tuna, and turpit, and a couple of dolphins. The only thing we do not have is flying fish. Honestly, things are now trying to pick back up.”

Many of the fisherfolk are sourcing their fish from processors like Ocean Fisheries.

Sharon Thompson, one of the fish vendors, says her stall has been getting a steady flow of customers.

She said: “Sales are here and there. You will get some sales, and at Christmas, people do buy fish because after having a lot of pork, turkey, and ham, you have to have fish on your plate as well. Since this morning, people have been coming, and it’s a moderate flow throughout the day.”

She explained that although prices have increased slightly, customers are understanding given the devastation caused by Hurricane Beryl.

“The price of fish has gone up a little, ranging from $11, $12, and $15 per pound for red snapper; marlin is $11, $12, and tuna is also about $11, $12 per pound,” she said. 

louriannegraham@barbadostoday.bb