ALMOST 60 YEARS after several fisherfolk from the Oistins community lost their lives as a result of Hurricane Janet there is a permanent landmark in their memory.
Spearheaded by the Christ Church South Constituency Council and the Barbados National Union of Fisherfolk Organisations (BARNUFO), a plague now adorns one of the outer walls of the Berinda Cox Complex bearing the names of 12 fisferfolk who did not survive the September 22, 1955 hurricane. It was unveiled last Sunday.
President Vernel Nicholls said the day should be considered for dedication and a joint memorial day for fisherfolk and the many people who perished or went missing during the passage of Hurricane Janet.
And if Nicholls has her way, Oistins will not be the only landing site with a commemorative plague for those who perished. She said BARNUFO would be seeking to replicate the memorial.
“There are other fishermen from various sites who have lost their lives at sea and should be remembered in a similar way,” she stated.
She said fisherfolk risk their lives every day to provide healthy meal options and contribute to the gross domestic product.
Nicholls said her organization is looking to make fishing a vocation of choice by improving standards and taking the industry to new heights.
(Full story and pictures in tomorrow’s MIDWEEK NATION)
