As part of the Jamaica Business Recovery Program, a partnership with USAID to help economic recovery after Hurricane Ivan last year, BREDS held an awards ceremony for the local fisherfolk who completed a "Safe Seamanship and Environmental Management" course.

We'll try get more details in the near future, but here's a few of pictures of the event. Rebecca and all of her knowledge of all things Treasure Beach is away for the time being, so I'm going to ask you to help identify the people in the pictures. Apologies for not having the correct names now.

As usual, Jack Sprat was a great venue for the event, with open air seating and a very nice buffet after the ceremonies were finished. There was seating for 50 with people standing in the back.


BREDS' Chairman Jason Henzell chaired the meeting, and is shown here accepting safety equipment donated by USAID.


The package included a life vest, emergency flares, and a first aid kit.


All participants who completed the course received one.


In addition, certificates were handed out to those who graduated.


It was noted that several women participated in the course, hence the term "fisherfolk". (I personally like the term "fisher-friends" used by one of the speakers.)


Dennis Abrahams, a director BREDS and a local fisherman, gave a real world example of one of the safety items that is now in use: A radio system for contacting boats at sea and even on the pedro Cays. With a 'repeater' tower in the town of Malvern in the Santa Cruz Mountains, the radio's signal can reach up to 75 miles out to sea. Additional towers are in place and will be added to link south coast ("from White House to Rocky Point", I think I heard) fishing boats with the JDF and Coast Guard.


Sean Ebanks, Chairman of the Calabash Bay Fishing Co-op, gave a vote of thanks which included a mention that if it wasn't for USAID's assistance, much of the fishing industry in the area would not be where it is today. This sentiment was echoed by several in the audience.


And true to Treasure Beach form, there was the local mento band (please help me with their names) on hand to entertain all who attended.


Big Up to all the fisherfolk who put in the time to learn about fishing safety issues, to BREDS and USAID and their partners in these efforts, and to Dennis Abrahams and Jason Henzell.

Enjoy!

-TBNEt

This is great,and all I can say is great.Now I am thinking of buying a fishing boat to put out some where in TB not for my benefit but for some one to be able to go to work.Tell me what you think about my idea and what are the requirements.

This is great,and all I can say is great.Now I am thinking of buying a fishing boat to put out some where in TB not for my benefit but for some one to be able to go to work.Tell me what you think about my idea and what are the requirements.

Contact Breds. They have set up boats for local crews before.

how can I get in contact with breds?

To find contact information for Breds, or any community group listed on this site, go to the Community section by clicking on the Community Groups button at the top of this web site.

Phone numbers/email addresses are listed there.

If you don't see the Community Groups button at the top, then click here.

-TBNet

Some more info on this event...

Over 80 fisherfolk completed the program, including 15 from Treasure Beach.

The course was comprised of lessons focused on sea safety, search & rescue, and environmental issues such as protection of catch, safe handling procedures, etc.

We're hoping that Dennis will be able to give some more information when he gets a chance, today or tomorrow.

-TBNet