Technical experts overseeing the US$15 million Bridgetown breakwater restoration programme have confirmed the project is in its final phase and on track for completion next month—marking a major milestone in Barbados’ efforts to boost climate resilience and protect its fisheries sector.
David Turner, senior engineer with Baird & Associates, the Canadian coastal consultancy leading the design and oversight, said the team had to respond rapidly after Hurricane Beryl left the structure severely compromised last year.
“We were presented with a structure that had been very seriously damaged… a dangerous situation and the loss… to the fishing industry,” Turner said.
To restore the breakwater’s defences, the engineers sourced 37 000 tonnes of granite armour stone from Norway.
“We have made some good progress…. Baird is generally quite happy with the quality of work that’s going into the project… the priority being getting the seaward side of the structure in place,” Turner said.
The team used drone, underwater and structural surveys to design a system capable of withstanding future storms, with completion expected by mid to late August.
General Manager of C.O. Williams Construction, Marc Atwell, confirmed that about 170 metres of the 300-metre breakwater have already been repaired. “We want to have that [outer section] fully complete for the end of this month, with then the inner and the retraction of the road… completed for the end of August.
“We’re here doing this as fast as we can, but as safely as possible and to international standards.”
At the operational level, newly appointed dockmaster McAndrew Ottley outlined reforms aimed at improving safety, efficiency, and preparedness at the Bridgetown Fisheries Complex.
“The fishing industry is not only a pillar of our economy, but it is a way of life for many Barbadians. My role is to ensure that this space operates efficiently, safely, and in a manner that respects the needs of every stakeholder.”
Ottley said the Fisheries Division will implement vessel zoning and berthing fees to better manage congestion and generate revenue for ongoing maintenance.
“Policies are only effective when properly enforced,” he said. “I will work closely with all relevant agencies to ensure rules are followed consistently and fairly.”
Chief Fisheries Officer Dr Shelly-Ann Cox noted that the World Bank’s broader Beryl Emergency Response and Recovery Project is also funding repairs to jetties, dredging works, and the construction of a haul-up facility.
“Particularly here in the Bridgetown Fisheries Complex, there was significant damage to infrastructure and over 200 vessels being significantly impacted,” she said, confirming that vessel replacement efforts are underway. “On World Oceans Day… we did launch our first vessel constructed after Beryl…a 36-ft boat called Cleaveston… and I’m pleased to report that it is officially registered.”
More than 70 vessels are slated for replacement, and training initiatives are building technical skills in boatbuilding.
“We want to chart the way forward for an even more resilient and successful fishing industry,” Cox said.
To date, 80 of the 130 damaged vessels have been repaired and relaunched, with another 40 undergoing repairs. The government has invested $7 million in direct support to fishers to assist with repairs and basic needs.
Minister of Environment and National Beautification, Adrian Forde, said the project reflects the government’s commitment to swift, coordinated action in the face of climate shocks.
“This particular breakwater recovery project is US$15 million, and we…believe that it is money well spent to sustain the livelihoods of our fisher folk. We must be able to mitigate and adapt to the throes of a bipolar climate environment…. We saw what it did to us last year this same very time,” Forde said, referencing swells over 20 feet that battered the west coast. “The bottom line… is that we must have a resilient infrastructure to protect our fishermen.”
Forde praised the collaborative efforts of engineers, fishers and stakeholders: “It is a collective exercise… and I’m emphatic about the fact that with the continuing help and support of the fisherfolk and the community, we will definitely rebound in a way that we can make Barbados and its fishing industry great again.”
President of the Barbados National Union of Fisherfolk Organisations (BARNUFO), Vernell Nichols, welcomed the progress. “We’re looking forward to having a new and refurbished market and its surroundings.”
She said BARNUFO is helping fishers embrace new technology and build capacity through training, while also working with insurance brokers to develop mandatory coverage for fishing vessels: “Insurance is now a new beginning for a new fishing industry… and we’re going to ensure that all the boat owners are on board by participating and embracing the idea.”
sheriabrathwaite@barbadostoday.bb
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