Bridgetown, BARBADOS | 20 April 2026 — The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), through the Barbados Coastal Fisheries Resilience Project, made a final handover of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) equipment and office furniture valued at approximately US$37,000 to the Barbados National Union of Fisherfolk Organisations (BARNUFO) on 30 March as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen operational capacity in the fishing sector.
The Barbados Coastal Fisheries Resilience (BCFR) project is implemented by UNDP with US$2.93 million in funding from the Government of Japan. A brief ceremony was held at BARNUFO’s office in Pelican Village, Bridgetown and brought together representatives of UNDP, BARNUFO, and the Barbados Fisheries Division. The handover added to equipment valued at approximately US$30,000 previously delivered to BARNUFO by the BCFR Project in November 2025 on World Fisheries Day.
BARNUFO President Vernel Nicholls said, “We are very happy to be receiving this equipment which is critical to the continued progress of our organization, BARNUFO, as we seek to become more digital in our operations. We look forward to our members having access to the equipment – since it is for the benefit of the industry and not just the secretariat.”
She added, “Indeed, we will use this equipment to the best of our ability to develop the fishing industry – working with the Fisheries Division to offer more training and development for those in the sector.”
Members of the BARNUFO executive including the Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer were also present to witness the handover.
UNDP reaffirmed its commitment to working with fisherfolk organisations and key national partners to strengthen institutional capacity and support the sector’s long-term resilience.
“UNDP is pleased that our partnership with the Government and People of Japan has resulted in this direct benefit to the fisherfolk of Barbados. This project was designed to make strategic interventions responding to needs identified by industry stakeholders – from infrastructure and capacity-building to knowledge-sharing. We greatly appreciate Japan’s commitment to building resilience in the region and their continued trust in UNDP as a partner in this mission,” said Head of Cluster for Prevention, Recovery and Resilience, Mrs. Elizabeth Charles-Soomer, as she thanked BARNUFO for engaging with the project.
Also in attendance were Chief Fisheries Officer Dr. Shelly-Ann Cox and other officers from the Barbados Fisheries Division – the focal agency for the Barbados Coastal Fisheries Resilience Project.
Dr. Cox said, “The Fisheries Division is pleased to be present at the official handover of ICT and office equipment to BARNUFO sponsored by the Barbados Coastal Fisheries Resilience Project. We wish to thank UNDP and the People of Japan for their continuous generosity and demonstration of support in ensuring the fisheries sector in Barbados reaches its highest potential.”
She added, “Digital transformation of the fisheries sector is key in catalysing sustainable development. We're delighted to see that our fisherfolk are well equipped with the tools to improve their digital literacy to enhance their operations. These tools will also promote effective board governance and support the development of membership databases. I know that BARNUFO and the primary fisherfolk organisations will be good stewards of the equipment and ensure the effective use for advancement of the sector.”
About the Barbados Coastal Fisheries Resilience Project
The Barbados Coastal Fisheries Resilience (BCFR) project is implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) with funding from the Government of Japan. The project supports Barbados’ recovery from the impact of Hurricane Beryl while building long-term resilience in the fisheries sector. By strengthening infrastructure, equipping fisherfolk, and providing training and equipment, the BCFR project aims to protect coastal livelihoods, enhance food security, and contribute to sustainable blue economy development. Learn more: go.undp.org/BCFR
Cover Photo Caption: UNDP personnel and members of the BARNUFO executive on 30 March during the handover of equipment under the Barbados Coastal Fisheries Resilience Project implemented by UNDP with funding from the Government and People of Japan. (L-R) UNDP Project Coordinator for the Barbados Coastal Fisheries Resilience Project, Kareitha Gill; BARNUFO Treasurer Catherine Sandiford; BARNUFO Secretary, Kerry-Ann Nowell-Browne; BARNUFO Vice President, Eulene Haynes; UNDP Project Associate, LeAundre Knight; UNDP Cluster Lead for Prevention, Recovery and Resilience, Elizabeth Charles-Soomer; and BARNUFO President, Vernel Nicholls.