Government of Jamaica
Source: Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining
The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining, through the National Fisheries Authority (NFA), delivered 300 care packages to fishers from western parishes severely impacted by Hurricane Melissa. The packages, which were delivered on Tuesday, November 18, are a key part of the Ministry’s ongoing immediate relief efforts to support fishing communities during this time of recovery.
The initiative saw a team of NFA staff traverse multiple fishing beaches in a single day, delivering comprehensive care packages containing essential food supplies and bottled drinking water. To address additional critical needs, the packages also included mosquito nets and blankets, donated by Food For The Poor. Further support was provided by B&D Trawling and Rainforest, which donated bags of ice to the fishers.
The benefiting fishing beaches included Belmont Fishing Beach and Paradise Fishing Beach in Westmoreland; Grange Pen Fishing Beach, River Bay Fishing Beach, and Harvey Fishing Beach in St James; and the Falmouth Fishing Beach in Trelawny.
“This delivery is a testament to our commitment to securing the wellbeing of our fishers, who are vital to our nation’s food security and economy.”
Dr Gavin Bellamy, Chief Executive Officer, National Fisheries Authority
Dr. Bellamy further expressed gratitude to the partners who continue to play a significant role in the recovery and transformation of the fisheries sector which is pivotal to Jamaica’s food security and economic development.
“We are grateful for the collaboration with our partners, whose contributions have allowed us to provide this meaningful and immediate support to the fishing communities affected in the west.”
This relief distribution underscores the Ministry’s dedicated focus on the rebuilding of the fisheries sector, ensuring that fishers have the necessary resources to recover and continue their vital work.