In a move to widen the social safety net for the island’s hurricane-ravaged fishing industry, the Mottley administration said Friday it has extended social security benefits for out-of-work fishers for an extra three months, as they continue to recover from Hurricane Beryl which destroyed or disabled most of the island’s fishing fleet.
Minister of Blue Economy Adrian Forde announced the extension of the Business Interruption Benefit after Cabinet’s weekly meeting on Thursday, vowing the government is committed to the fishing’s recovery.
He also revealed that some 45 boats have been repaired and relaunched, bringing the total number of working fishing vessels to 145.
Forde told Barbados TODAY that under the extended programme, boat owners with vessels still on dry dock awaiting repairs will receive $2 000 per month, while captains and crew members in the same situation will each receive $1 500 monthly for the next three months.
The 45 boats already repaired and relaunched are not included in this extension, as the benefit specifically targets those whose operations remain disrupted, he stressed.
He said: “For persons whose boats have been already repaired, that is, boat owners, captain and crew of the 45 boats will not be included in this extended period as the benefit is for business interruption.
“This extension is for fisherfolk who are still unable to resume their livelihoods as they await the completion of repairs.”
To date, more than $3.7 million has been disbursed to fisherfolk, including $2.75 million in business interruption benefits and nearly $1 million for boat repairs.
Hurricane Beryl, which struck on July 1 with catastrophic storm surges, destroyed nearly 200 fishing boats and disrupted livelihoods across the industry.
The government’s efforts to rebuild have seen significant progress, but challenges remain as administrative issues, including incomplete applications and outdated banking information, have delayed benefits for some fisherfolk.
The Fisheries Division has since expanded its support team to assist with processing claims and resolving errors.
“It’s an ongoing process,” Forde noted, as he advised eligible fisherfolk who have not yet received benefits to contact the fisheries division.
“Once they fill out the requisite forms to access the benefits, they will be assisted accordingly.”
Another key element of the recovery strategy is the $54 million rebuilding of the fisheries marina breakwater at the Bridgetown Fisheries Complex.
The project, funded through the World Bank’s Beryl Emergency Response and Recovery Project, has been described as a cornerstone of the government’s plan to build long-term resilience for the fishing industry and coastal communities.
Using resilient armoured stones, the breakwater is designed to protect the marina from future storms while enhancing the island’s coastal infrastructure.
The minister told Barbados TODAY that construction is underway, with completion expected by mid-2025.
“The armoured stones, which is one of the most resilient materials, are already on island and work on the breakwater has begun,” he said.
“This breakwater will serve as both a shield and a foundation for sustainable growth in the fishing industry.”
In addition to the financial support and infrastructure upgrades, the environment minister revealed that the government has resumed tuna exports, signalling a gradual return to stability.
Further announcing developments under his ministerial portfolio, Forde plugged the deployment of 12 new garbage trucks as part of national beautification and waste management efforts, addressing longstanding public concerns about cleanliness and the environment.
“As promised, they are now on the island and in operation, and we apologise for the difficulties residents faced over the period,” he said. “The government remains committed to keeping the country clean and beautiful as you know it to be.”
He noted that the government’s initiatives aim not only to restore the fishing industry but also to ensure its resilience and sustainability for generations to come.
“Our focus is on creating a stronger, smarter, and more united maritime sector,” Forde said.
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