Parottee fisherfolk get relief supplies

Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining Floyd Green visited the community of Parottee in St Elizabeth, on August 16, to deliver essential supplies to local fisherfolk.

The community has faced significant challenges since Hurricane Beryl impacted the island on July 3, including loss of electricity and a struggling fishing industry.

Minister Green emphasised the vital role of the fishing sector in the local economy and the community’s way of life, noting that “these supplies are just the beginning”.

“This is a part of our overarching response programme. We have identified that we must move quickly to get our fishers, to get our farmers back out there, so that we can ensure that we are food secure,” Green pointed out.

The minister said he is cognisant of the urgent needs of the fishermen, as the hurricane’s impact has left many without the necessary tools to sustain their livelihoods, making the current donation an important step in the recovery process.

He assured the community that he is committed to restoring the fishing industry to its pre-hurricane levels.

ONGOING EFFORTS

“We will work together to ensure that Parottee’s fishing sector not only recovers but thrives,” he said, highlighting ongoing efforts to bring back electricity and support to local businesses.

Green said that the recovery programme will extend to fishers in several parishes, including Clarendon, Westmoreland, St Elizabeth, Manchester and St Catherine.

“I want to thank the National Fisheries Authority team for identifying the fishers who would have suffered damage from the hurricane and further encouraged those not yet reached by the authority, to visit their offices,” the minister said.

“The people who have not yet been reached please visit our offices and leave your information. We will do our verification processes and we will try to help. We will build back quickly, and we will build back stronger,” Green added.

He said the ministry’s proactive approach is aimed at revitalising not only the fishing industry but also the overall resilience of the community against future natural disasters, adding that “today’s handover” marks a significant step in the Hurricane Beryl Recovery Programme, reflecting the Government’s dedication to help affected communities and restore essential services.

Many of the fisherfolk expressed gratitude for the assistance, saying that they recognised the importance of government support in the wake of the disaster.

JIS