Leader of the Opposition, Ralph Thorne, during a press conference this morning, demanded that government fulfill its promises of financial support to those affected by the destruction of the fishing industry after Hurricane Beryl.
Local fisherfolk from various facilities, including Bridgetown and Oistins, gathered to voice their discontent and share their experiences, which tell a starkly different story.
The fishing industry, essential to Barbados’ economy and culture, suffered catastrophic damage in June due to Hurricane Beryl, which destroyed approximately 90 per cent of its infrastructure.
In response to the disaster, government promised to support the rebuilding of the industry. They committed to assisting boat owners with repair costs and making monthly financial payments to those affected.
Specifically, boat owners were assured $2 000 per month, while fishermen and vendors were to receive $1 500 each for September, October, and November.
According to the Thorne, while no one can be blamed for the natural disaster, there is a shared belief that the government was responsible for the scale of destruction due to inadequate preparations and mismanagement.
“The government, in my opinion, holds factual and legal responsibility for the destruction of those boats,” he stated.
Thorne said many of those affected had not received those payments and only a few individuals received two out of the three promised installments. The financial aid amounts to just over $300 per week.
“I went to Parliament two weeks ago and reminded the government that maritime affairs aren’t only about cruise liners but also about the people who have fed this country for as long as we have known it,” the Opposition leader asserted.
He emphasised the importance of supporting farmers and fishermen, referring to them as “farmers of the sea” and integral to the cultural fabric and survival of Barbados.
“Culture begins with food,” he noted. “Unless that industry survives, then this country will not survive.”
Thorne initially set a deadline of one week for the government to resolve the issue but has since moved it up to tomorrow while being urged by the fisherfolk.
Thorne said government sent a delegation to Canada to source boat builders, yet failed to provide the financial support to those who really needed it.
He said should government fail to meet the deadline, the Democratic Labour Party would reveal those other businesses and sectors who got assistance.
