Minister of State in the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Blue and Green Economy, Jullan Defoe, has emphasized that no political affiliation played any part in assessing beneficiaries of fishing vessels in Dominica.
He made the statement recently in Scotts Head, while addressing a handing-over ceremony of the final eight fishing vessels of a total of 54 from the government.
The construction of the 54 boats by local boat builders cost over $2 million, as part of the commitment to the rehabilitation of the fisheries sector.
“I want to just spend one minute on this term verified loss to let the public know today that all of these individuals who have received boats, and today is the last group, their claim of the boat being damaged or lost was confirmed, was assessed, confirmed, and verified,” he revealed. “Because in the public, when you see people receiving things, you hear all sorts of things about political affiliations and so on. I am the first to tell you on this platform that zero political affiliation [played] any part in assessing beneficiaries.”
The minister asserted that beneficiaries had to meet some key criteria.
“As you would see on any boat… each boat contains a registration number,” Defoe explained. “So we’d have to verify that Nigel Alexander, who is right here, his boat number. What happened to this boat? It is destroyed, it’s lost. This is confirmed. We can see the pieces, the remnants…So there are various things that could happen to it. Is he on the registry? So every individual, 54 of those… were approved for their boat replacement.”
Defoe assured the public that the government is not just handing over boats to individuals: “These were people who are already invested in the sector, and the government now is assisting them to restore their livelihood.”
Representative from the Soufriere Constituency, Racquel Andrew, who represented Tourism Minister Denise Charles-Pemberton, said fishing is not an easy profession.
“Some days you return with a full catch. Other days you return with none,” Andrew explained. “Yet the mortgage still has to be paid, children still have to go to school, and the bills still arrive.”
She continued, “ This is why the government must build an industry, not simply provide boats.”
Andrew mentioned that current projects will allow fishermen to produce packaged seafood, smoked fish, fish dip, and other value-added products.
This, she said, is another investment in resilience as Dominica enters the Hurricane season.
Andrew stated further that every boat handed over represents “ hope, hard work and opportunity. “
“May these boats bring home a safe journey, abundant catches, and brighter futures for your families,” she said. “May they strengthen your livelihoods, help educate your children, put food on your table, and provide for generations to come. And may every voyage remind you that the government believes in you, values your contribution, and remains committed to building a stronger, more resilient fishing industry.”
She added, “Together, let us build a future where products proudly bear the label ‘Made in Scotts Head, Dominica’ and are recognized across the Caribbean and beyond as a symbol of quality, pride, and excellence. May God bless every fisherfolk, protect you at sea, bless your families, and continue to bless the Commonwealth of Dominica.”
Meanwhile, Acting Chief Fisheries Officer Wynnona Joseph Today said this occasion reflects the government’s continued commitment to supporting the hard-working men and women who dedicate their lives to providing food for our nation, sustaining coastal communities, and contributing to the economic development in Dominica.
She said the handing-over ceremony is much more than the distribution of boats: “ It represents a significant investment in the future of our fisheries sector and demonstrates our collective commitments in building a stronger, safer, more productive, and more resilient fishing industry.”
Most importantly, she added, “It is an investment to our people, our fishers, whose dedication and perseverance continue to sustain this vital sector.”
Joseph pointed out that the vessels will provide the beneficiaries with improved opportunities to increase productivity, operate more efficiently, and enhance safety while at sea.
“They also represent another step in the government’s ongoing efforts to modernize in the fisheries sector and improve the livelihoods of fishing communities throughout Dominica,” she emphasized.
She told beneficiaries that the boats should not be viewed simply as equipment, but as a valuable asset that can help build stronger fishing enterprises, create opportunities for your family, and contribute to the continued growth of our community.
“We therefore urge and encourage you to make responsible use of the vessel, proper maintenance, sound financial management, and continuous reinvestments in your operation,” Joseph urged. “We also encourage you to continue to develop your skill, embrace good business practices, and strive to be better. I also wish to emphasize the importance of safety at sea.”
She continued, “The sea provides our livelihood, but it also demands our respect. We encourage every fisher to conduct a regular vessel maintenance, carry and use appropriate fishing equipment at all times. Build the culture of regularly monitoring the weather forecast before departing, comply fully with fisheries regulations and establish safety procedures.”
Joseph reminded fishers that returning home safely after every fishing trip must always remain their highest priority.
She said the fisheries division remains fully committed to supporting fishing communities across Dominica through training, technical assistance, fisheries management initiatives, improved infrastructure, and expanded development opportunities.
“We will continue working alongside our fishers to build a modern, resilient, and sustainable fisheries sector that benefits both present and future generations,” she stated.
