Social Security Minister Pearnel Charles Jr handed out rolls of wire mesh to fisherfolk in Rocky Point, Clarendon, on December 12, to rebuild their lost fish pots in time for Christmas.

The material cannot replace all the fish pots they lost during the passage of Hurricane Melissa on October 28, but they (fishers) believe the donation can help them to restart their fishing practices, and not only contribute to the rebuilding of the well-known fishing community but assist them in their catch for sale to persons seeking the commodity for Christmas Day.

In an interview with JIS News at Rocky Point, Charles Jr., who is also Member of Parliament for the area, said that with the help of representatives from the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries and other stakeholders, hundreds of inches of the wire were easily offloaded and placed in the capable hands of fisherfolk who still have assets after the passage of Hurricane Melissa.

“Rocky Point is one of those areas but this constituency has Longwood, Salt River, Mitchell Town [and] Portland Cottage, all of which are areas that have fisherfolk and… we in South East Clarendon are eager to contribute to the restoration of fishing activities in the country,” he said.

“If we are given the tools here, our fisherfolk will be able to put together the pots, get out, catch the fish and help to distribute where other places in Westmoreland and St. Elizabeth cannot right now; so, that is what we’re fighting for, because when our fishers are active, all of the other shops benefit,” the Minister continued.

After a statement was made in Parliament that the Government will be focusing on areas where fishing activities were affected, but there were still boats that could go out to sea, Charles Jr. said he thought of Rocky Point and reached out to chief executive officer (CEO) of the National Fisheries Authority (NFA), Dr. Gavin Bellamy and Fisheries Minister Floyd Green.

For his part, Bellamy said the authority chose Rocky Point because that fishing location was buzzing before the passage and destruction of Hurricane Melissa.

“We are trying to assist the fishing villages which were extremely damaged. For the people who have vessels and engines, and they can go back to sea, we are providing them with fishing gear to go back out to start fishing again,” he noted.

“Rocky Point is one of the beaches with the highest population of fishers, and Portland Cottage is also nearby, where we are going after to support the fishers in Clarendon to do what they need to do – fishing,” he added.

Clifton Wright, one of the fishermen who received wire mesh, said the donation represented a new start for him and his family.

“I lost five rolls of wire but I appreciate the one I got today. I can start working again before Christmas,” Wright said.

His colleague, Dalton Powell, recalled his major loss from the passage of Hurricane Melissa, and his appreciation for the gift.

“Mi can’t complain. Mi appreciate it. Mi lose more than this still, but this still can mek a start same way,” he said.