The Jamaican Government has officially begun its comprehensive plan to revive the domestic fishing industry, a year after its initial announcement on May 22.

Prime Minister Andrew Holness says this plan includes the donation of 20 fishing boats every year, beach rehab and retooling programmes and more, as a means to revive Jamaica’s fishing sector.

In a message on his X social media page, he said, “Thrilled to announce the reshaping of our fishing sector! We are offering free boats to youth, beach rehabilitation, retooling programmes, and more resources for our fishers! We are caring for you! #FishingSector#YouthinFishing #BeachRehabilitation #FishingSupport”

Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries and Mining Floyd Green also posted to his X.com, sharing his enthusiasm about the developments, stating: “I’m excited about the ways we are reshaping our fishing sector this year. From providing free boats to youth who want to get involved in fishing to beach rehabilitation, retooling programs, and increased support for resources, we are helping our fishers Harvest Hope!”

In 2023, a project was implemented by the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries with co-funding from the Government of Jamaica and the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) toward the development of the Fishing sector, and preparation of the fishing sector against climate change.

The project is also aimed at promoting community-based climate resilience in the fisheries sector and was said to receive a J$313 million allocation for 2024.

Further plans announced by the prime minister should provide a well-needed boost for the fishing industry, which contributes an average of US$103.8 million annually or 0.71 per cent of total gross domestic product (GDP), according to the Jamaica Fisheries Quarterly Statistics Report.