Fisherfolk At Great Bay Receive Mesh Wire
By: August 24, 2024 ,The Full Story
Forty-two fisherfolk at Great Bay Fishing Beach in Treasure Beach, St. Elizabeth, who were severely impacted by the passage of Hurricane Beryl on July 3, have received much-needed assistance.
Each fisher was provided with two rolls of mesh wire on August 22, to rebuild their fish pots.
The donation was made possible through the collaboration of the Sandals Foundation and the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining.
Portfolio Minister, Hon. Floyd Green, handed over the materials to the men and women to aid in the recovery effort.
Mr. Green said it is imperative that there are private-public partnerships to provide support for the extensive damage caused by the hurricane, adding that the Ministry has been actively working with NGO partners, like the Sandals Foundation, to pool resources and maximise their reach to affected communities.
The Minister indicated that beyond the immediate distribution of mesh wire, plans are already in motion to repair and restore infrastructure at the Great Bay Fishing Beach.
The National Fisheries Authority will allocate resources for these efforts, said Mr. Green, with a focus on the repairing of common area infrastructure, rehabilitating the public bathrooms, and fixing the shed used for storing fishing gear and other equipment.
“We’ve gotten $100 million, and we’ve identified some beaches that suffered damage from Hurricane Beryl that are in need, and Great Bay is one of those areas that we’re going to focus attention,” Mr. Green noted.
St. Elizabeth, one of the regions hardest hit by Hurricane Beryl, faces widespread damage not only to the fishing industry but also to homes, shops, schools and churches.
Director of the Sandals Foundation, Heidi Clarke, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to assist the fishers during this challenging time.
She underscored that the Foundation recognises the critical role that fisherfolk play in maintaining the local economy and aims to help them resume their livelihood as quickly as possible.
Local fisherman, Lennox Stewart, lauded the timely donation, noting that it is particularly important at this time as the lobster season begins.
Mr. Stewart pointed out that catching lobster is a primary activity in Great Bay and as such, the wire donation is especially valuable.