Press Release: UNDP and Partners Host Resilient Boatbuilding Symposium to Strengthen Barbados’ Fisheries Sector

Bridgetown, Barbados – The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), in collaboration with the Barbados Fisheries Division and the Samuel Jackman Prescod Institute of Technology (SJPI) and with support from the Government of Japan, hosted the Disaster-Resilient Boatbuilding Symposium from 17 –18 March 2026 in Barbados.

The Symposium was organized by the Barbados Coastal Fisheries Resilience Project, implemented by UNDP and funded by the Government of Japan, which aims to strengthen disaster preparedness and resilience in the fisheries sector. The initiative responds to the significant damage sustained by fishing vessels and infrastructure following Hurricane Beryl in 2024, which disrupted livelihoods across the sector. The Hon. Santia Bradshaw M.P. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Environment, National Beautification and Fisheries, and H.E. Ambassador MIYASAKA Yusuke, Ambassador of Japan to Barbados, opened the two-day Symposium which brought together boatbuilders, fisherfolk, technical experts, academic institutions, government agencies, and development stakeholders to exchange knowledge and explore innovations in resilient boat design, materials, and construction practices. 

Deputy Resident Representative for UNDP Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, Mrs. Stephanie Ziebell: “UNDP’s work in disaster recovery has shown us that building forward better requires more than replacing what was lost – it calls for knowledge, innovation, and partnership; and we are doing this in a variety of ways as we support post-Beryl recovery in Barbados, Grenada, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Through the Japan-funded Barbados Coastal Fisheries Resilience Project, we are focused on enhancing the fisheries sector’ response to natural hazards and disasters, which includes facilitating spaces like this Symposium where practical expertise, traditional skills, and modern technologies come together to strengthen resilience and protect livelihoods for the future.”

Ambassador of Japan to Barbados, H.E. MIYASAKA Yusuke: “Japan is committed to supporting Barbados as it ‘builds forward better’ by strengthening the fishing sector’s infrastructure and enhancing disaster preparedness across the value chain. Today’s symposium is an important step in that journey.”

Chief Fisheries Officer, Barbados Fisheries Division, Dr. Shelly-Ann Cox: “The art and craftmanship of boatbuilding and its important intangible cultural heritage is often overlooked; this symposium shines a light on this valuable component of the pre-harvest sector of our beloved industry. Beryl was the reset needed to raise awareness of the local boatbuilding culture and how it has contributed to a thriving industry where more than 90% of the vessels in the fishing fleet are manufactured in Barbados. The importance of innovation in building disaster-resilient vessels is of utmost importance as we build forward better. We hope that this forum motivates and inspires persons to pursue untraditional careers such as naval architecture, marine surveying and boatbuilding to ensure the sustainable recovery of the fisheries sector in Barbados.”

SJPI Principal, Mr. Ian Drakes: “These are exciting times for the Samuel Jackman Prescod Institute of Technology as we continue to partner with entities from a variety of sectors to facilitate richer and more dynamic learning experiences for our students. This Symposium is a great example of this, as our students interacted directly with practitioners in an industry that is vital to our island nation. And I’m proud to say that the learning goes both ways, as participants also had the opportunity to see firsthand the innovative work we are doing at SJPI by incorporating modern technologies. We anticipate greater things are ahead.”

Through this initiative, UNDP and its partners aim to support knowledge transfer, foster innovation, encourage inter-generational learning, and build momentum for a more resilient and sustainable boatbuilding sector in Barbados. The programme featured solution-focused discussions on innovation and technology, challenges facing the boatbuilding industry, and opportunities to strengthen resilience through modern materials and design approaches. Participants also engaged in hands-on learning through site visits to B&F Marine Ltd, the Bridgetown temporary Boatyard, SJPI, and the Oistins Boatyard.

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

EVENT PHOTOS AVAILABLE HERE 

About UNDP

UNDP is the leading United Nations organization fighting to end the injustice of poverty, inequality, and climate change. Working with our broad network of experts and partners in 170 countries, we help nations to build integrated, lasting solutions for people and planet. Learn more at undp.org/barbados or follow on social media @UNDPBarbadosEC.

Media contact: Yajaira Archibald – [email protected]

Cover photo credit: Craig Burleigh