The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) and the Government of Barbados have established a programme to provide financial assistance to the fishing community still recovering from the impact of Hurricane Beryl. The storm left hundreds in the fishing sector facing significant losses and caused damage to the industry’s infrastructure. The Hurricane Beryl Fisheries Support Programme helps those working in the sector continue their recovery.
Those targeted includes eligible fish vendors who, to date, have only received a single cash transfer of $1,500 from the government. The Barbados Fisheries Division and WFP worked together to identify and register eligible persons. The Barbados Red Cross is also a partner to support the smooth delivery of this programme.
The WFP cash assistance is intended to reach two categories of people: boat agents and fish vendors. Eligible boat agents will receive three monthly payments of BBD $1,500.00 each. This amount is equivalent to the government's Business Interruption Benefit that was provided to eligible boat owners. Fish vendors will receive a single cash transfer of BBD$1,800.00. This amount equates to the financial assistance provided by the Barbados Red Cross Society to other eligible fish vendors. WFP's assistance to the fishing community is made possible through the generous support of The Coca-Cola Foundation and internal WFP funds.
The Hurricane Beryl Fisheries Support Programme is part of WFP’s ongoing work to enhance national response efforts for disaster recovery and strengthen systems.