Boat Captain and fisherman Wayne Rose (right) showing Minister of Maritime Affairs and the Blue Economy, Kirk Humphrey (left) and Minister of People Empowerment and Elder Affairs, Cynthia Forde, some of the fish which they are donating to vulnerable persons in the community. (C.Pitt/BGIS)

A mixture of dolphin, tuna and marlin will be added to the plates of some of Barbados’ most vulnerable persons who have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

This is being made possible as just over 1,000 pounds of fish, under an initiative by fisherman and boat captain, Everton Brathwaite, was handed over to the Minister of People Empowerment and Elder Affairs, Cynthia Forde, and witnessed by Minister of Maritime Affairs and the Blue Economy, Kirk Humphrey, and other officials at the Bridgetown Fishing Complex, yesterday.

“People and children are hungry.  This fish, when distributed, will reach households to make a difference….  This is the beginning because there is more to come from the fishermen who have made the sacrifice to go out and feed the nation,” Ms. Forde said, noting that some families were struggling at this time.

While commending the fishermen for their efforts, the Minister noted that pig farmers were also undertaking a similar project, and had donated their first 1,000 pounds of pork to the Ministry to ensure that vulnerable persons had the necessary protein requirements in their diets.

The Minister added that she hoped such initiatives would continue in a post COVID-19 environment, with other industries coming on board to join in the effort in supporting the vulnerable persons in communities.

Minister Humphrey also commended the fishing community for the presentation of fish to the vulnerable, elderly, and persons with disabilities, noting that it was done to ensure that people had the necessary protein in their diets.

“We have been delivering care packages, and are thankful to receive fresh fish. I want to thank the fisherfolk for the wonderful work they are doing,” he said, noting that fishermen were recognized as being part of the essential services during the pandemic.

Meanwhile, Mr. Brathwaite gave the assurance that yesterday’s donation was just the first. He explained that each time the fishing vessels returned, the fishermen agreed to donate at least one fish towards the cause.

“We were never interrupted … [and the initiative] moved on from there. A lot of fishermen donated a fish to the cause, and boats are still donating fish.  When boats go out, we will donate fish,” the 59-year-old captain and owner of fishing vessel Natalie P139 said.

julia.rawlins-bentham@barbados.gov.bb

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