A US$2.93 million (BDS$5.92 million) coastal fisheries resilience initiative has been launched to support the recovery and modernization of Barbados’ fishing sector following the devastating impact of Hurricane Beryl in 2024. The project, backed by the United Nations and the government of Japan, was officially unveiled on Monday.
The year-long initiative is a collaborative effort between the Ministry of the Blue Economy, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and the Japanese government. It aims not only to restore physical infrastructure damaged by the hurricane but also to strengthen the sector’s overall resilience through technology, training, and emergency preparedness.
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Speaking at the launch event held at the Fisheries Division, UNDP Resident Representative for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, Limya Eltayeb, highlighted the severe toll the hurricane had taken on the island’s fishing industry.
“The Bridgetown and Oistins Fisheries Complexes, along with many smaller sites, suffered significant losses,” Eltayeb stated. “Over 200 boats were damaged—representing a major blow to the economy and the livelihoods connected to the fishing value chain.”
Eltayeb expressed gratitude for the strong partnership among fisherfolk, the Fisherfolk Union, the Fisheries Division, and the government of Japan, which helped secure the US$2.93 million in funding.
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She outlined several key components of the project, including:
- Rebuilding damaged infrastructure
- Supplying emergency communications and essential equipment
- Capacity building and training for business continuity
- Installation of a new travel lift capable of hauling 52-tonne boats at the Bridgetown Fisheries Complex
- Onboard communication upgrades for fishers
- Ice machines for vendors and processors
- Disaster preparedness updates and testing
- Conceptual redesigns for both the Bridgetown and Oistins complexes
- Boat building and repair training for local communities
Japanese Ambassador to Barbados, Misayaka Yusuke, emphasized the common challenges faced by island nations and shared Japan’s experience in dealing with similar climate-related disasters.
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“Like hurricanes, typhoons have ravaged our coasts, destroying boats and infrastructure,” he said. “Japan has invested in robust systems—early warnings, infrastructure standards, and disaster response mechanisms. Through this project, we aim to share that expertise and support Barbados in building a stronger, more sustainable fishing sector.”
Minister of the Blue Economy, Adrian Forde, thanked both Japan and the UNDP for their swift and meaningful support. He stressed that this project represents a pivotal opportunity for transformation within the industry.
“Building forward better must be our guiding principle,” said Forde. “It’s time to take our fishing industry to a higher level, embracing modern technology and sustainable practices that benefit our communities and our economy.”
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