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Home | NFA Distributes Post-Hurricane Relief Cash Vouchers to Fisherfolk in Whitehouse, Westmoreland
Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining, Hon. Floyd Green, presents a cash voucher to fisher, Lillian Brown, during the National Fisheries Authority’s (NFA) post- Hurricane Beryl relief programme in Whitehouse, Westmoreland, on Friday (August 30). Fisherfolk sustaining losses during the hurricane’s passage on July 3, received cash vouchers.
September 1 (JIS):
In a bid to further support fisherfolk who were impacted during Hurricane Beryl’s passage on July 3, the National Fisheries Authority (NFA), on Friday (August 30), distributed cash vouchers to those based in Whitehouse, Westmoreland, who suffered losses.
Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining, Hon. Floyd Green, participated in Friday’s exercise, which saw approximately 109 fishermen and women receiving vouchers.
He said similar provisions were programmed for another 40 fisherfolk in Scott’s Cove (Border), who, among other things, lost fishing pots and sustained damage to boats.
The Minister pointed out that Friday’s presentations formed part of a broader ongoing effort to assist fisherfolk across the country, noting that hundreds in other parishes have already benefitted.
Among these, he informed, are “127 we’ve done in Clarendon and… 104 we’ve done in St. Elizabeth”, adding that “we’re moving around, helping our fishers to recover stronger.”
Mr. Green emphasised, however, that the relief effort is not limited to immediate financial assistance.
He explained that the Government is also committed to improving infrastructure on fishing beaches as well as exploring the implementation of renewable energy storage facilities to enhance resilience against future natural disasters.
“We originally started with $29 million, and then we’re going to put an additional $100 million on that, focusing on our fishing beaches,” Mr. Green outlined.
“Also, I said to the National Fisheries Authority team that, not only do we have to provide support, but we also have to do it as quickly as possible,” he stated.
Meanwhile, Friday’s exercise in Westmoreland was welcomed by members of the fishing community, with many expressing gratitude for the timely assistance.
Anthony Lee, a veteran fisher of two decades, said the voucher he received will help him rebuild his livelihood.
Having lost six fish pots to the hurricane, Mr. Lee plans to use the funds to construct eight replacements to effectively put him back on his feet.
His colleague, Lillian Brown, a fisher for 23 years, indicated that she plans to use her voucher to repair her damaged boat.
“I would like to say thanks to each and every one that took the time out to consider us, because Hurricane Beryl truly set us back. This cash voucher will help, and I’m truly appreciative,” Ms. Brown said.
