THE livelihood and earning capacity of some 150 fishers on the island’s south coast have been strengthened with the distribution of 250 rolls of fish pot wire supplied by Sandals Foundation.

The supplies, valued at approximately $3.5 million, were coordinated through National Fisheries Authority, Tankweld Limited, and Caribbean Coastal Area Management Foundation (CCAM).

Fishers in Portland Cottage, Clarendon; Great Bay, St Elizabeth; and Whitehouse, Westmoreland will receive rolls of the vital resource to create fish pots, supporting their catch at sea.

The assistance, which is crucial in helping fishers restore their livelihoods following passage of Hurricane Beryl on July 3, forms part of Sandals Foundation’s continued hurricane relief mission.

“We’re committed to helping fishing families regain stability and supporting our islands’ fishers to continue their vital work. The fish pot wires will help fishers get back on their feet, restore a sense of normalcy, and continue their essential work in their communities,” a news release from Sandals Foundation quotes its Executive Director Heidi Clarke.

“The fishing industry is critical to our south coast communities, and we remain committed to supporting them,” added Clarke.

Speaking at a short handover ceremony held at CCAM offices in Clarendon, Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining Floyd Green noted that the fishing industry is the backbone of many coastal communities, and Sandals Foundation’s ongoing support is invaluable.

“This effort will help families regain stability and contribute significantly to the economic recovery of these areas,” said Green.

The fishers who benefited were identified as most in need through assessments conducted by the National Fisheries Authority.

“We wanted to take a strategic approach by conducting a detailed assessment. This collaboration has helped to ensure supplies go where they are needed most,” said Dr Gavin Bellamy, chief executive officer of the National Fisheries Authority.

Since July 3, Sandals Foundation has been supporting communities affected by the hurricane, investing close to $10 million towards the island’s relief efforts.

As part of its immediate response, the philanthropic organisation shipped more than 7,000 cases of water and 150 tarpaulins to affected communities on the south coast, bringing families relief.

Water distribution centres were established through the Parish Disaster Management System based at the municipal offices of Black River, Savanna-la-Mar, and May Pen, with parish disaster managers from the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management and Jamaica Red Cross leading the distribution.