Melissa Skerrit, the new candidate for the Dominica Labour Party (DLP) Roseau Central Constituency, has donated fishing vessels and gear to fishermen in Roseau Central Constituency. Mrs. Skerrit collaborated with Ian George, the developer for the Tranquility Beach Resort, to make the donation to fishermen affected by the 2017 Hurricane Maria.
Hundreds of fishermen lost their fishing vessels, gear, and source of income following the hurricane. Most of them found it difficult to return to their trade without their work equipment, and their families suffered serious deprivations on account of the disaster. But Mrs. Skerrit, who gifted the fishermen with three fishing boats and accompanying gear, said the gesture was to help the locals to get back on their feet again.
In a short speech at the donation ceremony, the DLP candidate said the government is aware of the problems brought on by the hurricane. And that the damage caused by Maria went beyond the loss of fishing equipment by fishermen, to a social-economic that could affect tourism in Dominica. With the loss of fishing, tourists have also had to make do with imported frozen seafood instead of the fresh fish they expected from the island country.
I could see that it was a serious social and economic problem which could undoubtedly affect every one of us here in Dominica, and this struck me as a situation where it had to be addressed immediately.
Melissa Skerrit: DLP candidate for the Roseau Central Constituency
The equipment donation event was two-fold. Apart from the partnership between Skerrit and George to help out the fishermen, the Dominican government through the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Fisheries also reached out to re-establish displaced fishermen with necessary fishing equipment.
Although the donated equipment will provide sustainable jobs and food security, Skerrit promised she looked forward to forging a closer relationship with fishermen within and beyond her Roseau Central Constituency.
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