News
Eight Receive New Boats Under DEALCRP
In a significant step toward rebuilding the livelihoods of Dominican fishers devastated by Hurricane Maria, the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Blue and Green Economy has handed over eight new fishing boats to local fishermen. The initiative forms part of the Dominica Emergency Agricultural Livelihoods and Climate Resilience Program (DEALCRP), executed in collaboration with the World Bank.
The fishermen who received the boats had suffered major losses during the 2017 hurricane, which destroyed or severely damaged many of their vessels, crippling their ability to earn a living.
Chief Fisheries Officer, Mr. Derrick Theophile, highlighted the long-term commitment behind the project.
“This project is the result of many years of work by the Government and the World Bank to procure fishing boats for the sector,” he said. “The World Bank and the Government of Dominica came together to develop this project, which provided various forms of support for fishers—financial assistance, engines, and boats. The boat component involved training local boat builders to construct stronger fishing boats, designed to handle all types of waters and fishing styles in Dominica.”
Project Manager of the DEALCRP, Mr. Kervin Stephenson, emphasized the technical improvements of the new vessels.
“The boats are approximately 22 feet long and 7.5 feet wide, providing greater capacity for catching more fish,” he explained. “This means fishermen won’t need to go out as frequently, but when they do, they can catch larger quantities. The boats are also equipped with large iceboxes for better storage, enhanced drainage systems to remove water efficiently, and materials that make them unsinkable. Today marks a historic moment as we deliver at least eight of these vessels.”
For recipients like Mr. John-Baptiste Laudat, the support is a lifeline.“Currently, I’m not working. I was also a bus driver, but a tree fell on my bus and destroyed it. Now, thanks to the boat provided by the Government of Dominica and the World Bank, I can go to sea and earn a daily living to support my family,” Laudat said. “I am very grateful and would like to thank both the Government of Dominica and the World Bank for recognizing the needs of fishers after Hurricane Maria and stepping in to assist us.”
The boat handover marks a milestone in Dominica’s efforts to strengthen climate resilience and restore sustainable livelihoods in the fishing sector.