More Than 580 Fisherfolk Get Assistance

The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining distributed $29 million in disaster relief to more than 580 fisherfolk across the island, following the passage of Hurricane Beryl on July 3.

Portfolio Minister, Hon. Floyd Green, provided the update on the ongoing Hurricane Beryl Recovery Programme during the sitting of the House of Representatives on September 24.

Mr. Green said the assistance included cash vouchers for the purchase of fishing gear and assistance with repairing cooperative buildings.

He informed that aid was provided in the parishes of St. Elizabeth, Westmoreland, Clarendon, St. Thomas, and St. Catherine.

The Minister pointed out that in St. Catherine, $700,000 was provided to the Halfmoon Bay Fisherfolk Cooperative in Hellshire for repairs to their building.

Mr. Green used the opportunity to recognise the invaluable support of the Sandals Foundation, which has donated $2.5 million to the fisheries sector, including 62 1 1⁄2-inch mesh wire panels to Rocky Point, 23 to Portland Cottage, 62 to Parottee, and 92 to Great Bay, St. Elizabeth.

Additionally, the NCB Foundation/Rainforest has earmarked $10 million for fisheries beach development projects.

The Breds Foundation in St. Elizabeth has also helped, with 120 fisherfolk receiving wire and nets.

Hurricane Beryl affected approximately 11,233 fishers islandwide, with more than 67 fishing beaches suffering damage estimated to cost more than $221 million.

“We have distributed $150 million to our Members of Parliament – $100 million around agriculture, and $50 million around fisheries. Again, that distribution has been based on the extent of damage that was suffered under Hurricane Beryl,” the Minister pointed out.