Chief Fisheries Officer, Dr. Shelly-Ann Cox, is appealing to Barbadians to donate metal props to secure fishing boats, which have been damaged during the passage of Hurricane Beryl.
Dr. Cox, who was speaking at a recent press conference at the Ministry of the Environment and National Beautification, said approximately 500 metal drums are being used to prop boats at the Barbados Port Inc. However, she said another 250 drums are still needed. She said these boats were taken out of the water after being damaged.
The Chief Fisheries Officer noted that one boat will take about six to eight drums to be propped up but cautioned against the use of metal drums for propping.
“Ideally, boat props should be used,” she said, adding “we’re working with agencies across the island to offer an affordable rate for the metal props, but this may still be cost prohibitive for some persons”.
Dr. Cox continued: “The reality is that another 250 metal drums are needed at the helipad. It is a constant effort to try to get these metal drums. We would also be grateful if someone would purchase metal drums and some metal props to support us in being able to safely secure the boats on land.”