A year after Hurricane Beryl battered Barbados’ coastlines damaging ports and vessels, the fishing industry is showing signs of recovery – symbolised by the launch of the first post-Beryl boat, Cleveston, on World Oceans Day, June 8.
Named in honour of Stephen Bourne and his sons, Cleveston is the first vessel manufactured since the hurricane and marks a milestone in the ongoing national recovery efforts.
At a press conference on Thursday at Warrens, St Michael, Chief Fisheries Officer Dr Shelly-Ann Cox said recovery efforts were being expedited and that spoke to the resilence of the industry.
“To date, 80 boats have been repaired and relaunched and we are still working. Our vessel inspectorate and vessel services section are working to provide those vessel repair rebates needed to complete the repairs for the 50 or more boats that are still on land,” she said.
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