As a boy Roy Harewood loved the sea. He would spend hours catching crayfish. While he had his sights set on being a mechanical engineer the pull of the sea was too strong.
He learnt the trade of fishing at the feet of two brothers from Martin’s Bay.
“One was Bonna and the other was Mr Greaves or for short Oney who got the nickname when he lost his hand from holding an explosive device,” he said.
The experience was not very pleasant so he parted ways with the two and started learning with Mr Martin from Bath Plantation and his associate Babadoon. But that relationship was also short-lived.
“These men were more experienced and educated than me but they could not make a fool out of me. When I realised what they were up to I end my friendship with them. In those days you had to pay to learn the sea and I was not getting the amount of fish entitled to me for the day.”
He voiced his disappointment to his mother who was always pushing him to pursue fishing and she gave him words of encouragement.
So although Roy was having a hard time in his career he was not about to give up.
He saved as much money as he could and when he had enough he purchased a boat named Rachel.
“Before I bought Rachel I used to fish in my godfather’s boat. I developed my skills and I became more confident in what I did. I learnt how to navigate and I gained experienced working on an engine boat.
“Flying fish was plentiful in those days and as the days went by I was able to hold my own without advice. In no time the need to accompany other fisherfolk became unnecessary and that is why I saved my money to buy Rachel.
“My mother wanted me to continue paying for lessons but I had to let her know I was ready to tackle the water by myself.”
With his seaworthy boat, Roy started to feel at home in the Caribbean Sea.
The improvement in his skills was evident and each time he went to sea he caught more fish than the time before. This made him happy because he no longer had to worry about his daily quota. He did so well that in 1991 he purchased a bigger boat named Trident and his newly wedded wife at the time, Janet Harewood, decided finally, to take a trip with him.
However, that was her first and last experience.
Sitting in the comfort of their Conset Bay, St John home, Janet told EASY she never wanted to go again, although she described the sight of flying fish skipping on the surface of the water as amazingly beautiful.
“I sat backing the pilot house but I could have seen the market from the distance. Suddenly, I neither saw the top of Society Church nor the men at the market and I got a bit scared. When I looked down I saw fish and I did not even bend over to see the fish better because of the fear that I may go over.
When you are out at sea and all you see is water, you start to think about all sorts of things that may happen. If I didn’t used to praying before I knew I started praying then, I could not swim and I was jumpy.”
Janet said she could not wait until she reached the shore and saw the jetty.
“I couldn’t see a plane or bird in the sky, I was so frightened that I urinated on myself and I was so ashamed I did not move from that spot. I felt like I drank an entire bottle of rum. The fumes from the diesel gave me an upset stomach and every time Roy shook the bait bucket I vomited. As I got home I ran inside and phoned my mother, so she would know I was safe.
“I don’t know why my experience was so bad because I went on the Harbour Master on plenty occasions and nothing ever happened. I remember telling my mother I would rather buy one flying fish for ten dollars before I go back out there.”
Roy retired from fishing three years ago at the age of 79 because his boat got damaged and his body could no longer keep up with his adventurous spirit and daring heart. He has no children of his own but cares for his wife’s children and grandchildren. He was able to buy land and his home from his savings and he said he was proud of that.
For the years of dedication he spent in the fishing industry, he was honoured at the St John Awards in January.
“Although I had a hard time finding my passion, once I found it I stuck by it when times got rough. I thank my wife for staying by my side for all these years because she could have married someone else who could of offered her more than a fisherman’s heart.” (SB)
