Dominica Fishers Receive Locally Built Boats in Major Post-Maria Recovery Milestone
- Fishers receive first post-Maria boats
- Locally built vessels handed over
- Boat project supports fishing recovery
- Kervin Stephenson leads $7M rollout
- La Plaine fisher proud to return
- Government backs stronger boat design
In a key step toward revitalising the fisheries sector in Dominica, eight locally crafted fishing boats were officially handed over to beneficiaries on Thursday under the World Bank-funded Emergency Agricultural Livelihoods and Climate Resilience Project. This marks the first distribution of 54 vessels intended to restore the livelihoods of fishers who lost their boats during Hurricane Maria.
The boats, valued between EC$40,000 and EC$50,000 each, were constructed entirely in Dominica by five local builders, including Aki of Portsmouth, Jonathan of Colihaut, Robert of Berekua, and Birmingham of Soufrière. They feature modern upgrades such as insulated iceboxes, reinforced buoyancy, self-drainage, and hull designs matched to various engine sizes, ranging from 19 to 25 feet in length.
Minister of State in the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Blue and Green Economy, Honourable Julian Defoe, led the handover ceremony at the Masacre landing site. He praised the fishers for their resilience and reminded them that this initiative forms part of a broader effort to rebuild sustainable livelihoods.
This is the third tier of post-Maria assistance. We began with emergency cash grants, followed by the distribution of 105 outboard engines. Now, we are replacing the vessels that were completely lost.
Hon. Julina Defoe, Minister of State in the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Blue and Green Economy
Fisherman and trained boat builder Robert Dublin, who benefited from design and construction training offered through the project, said he was proud of the improved craftsmanship. “These boats are stronger, more stable, and built to last,” he noted.
Among the recipients was Josel Avontel Thomas, a seasoned fisherman from La Plaine. “I lost everything in Maria,” he said. “Today, I feel proud and ready to get back to sea.” Another recipient, Mr. Guiste, a mathematics lecturer and dedicated fisherman, added, “This gives me peace of mind. I’ve been waiting years for this opportunity to return to fishing.”
Project Manager Kervin Stephenson emphasized that this boat distribution is just one part of a $7 million investment into Dominica’s fisheries sector. Additional support includes landing site upgrades and the distribution of fishing equipment and engines.
Stephenson noted that the remaining 46 boats are scheduled for delivery by May 2025. He urged outstanding beneficiaries to finalize their documentation before the project ends.
The handover concluded with a blessing by Deacon Knight and a symbolic walk-through of the vessels by officials and fishers. Though rough sea conditions prevented a live demonstration, the moment marked a powerful symbol of recovery. Dominica’s fishers are now equipped to return to sea—with strength rebuilt at home.
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