Business
$100,000 TO BE RAISED FOR FISHERFOLK
HILTON BARBADOS RESORT, ARTS COUNCIL, SUSTAINABLE CARIBBEAN AND FISHERIES DIVISION
Hilton Barbados Resort has joined forces with the Barbados Arts Council, Sustainable Caribbean and the Fisheries Division to host a charity event aimed at raising $100,000 to assist the fisherfolk community impacted by Hurricane Beryl in July.
General Manager of Hilton Barbados Resort, Jacques Montiel, explained that the important fundraiser, ‘Harbouring Hope – Operation Blue Recovery’ will be hosted on Saturday, November 16 at Hilton at 5:30 p.m., and all proceeds will go towards the recovery efforts.
He said, “We are deeply committed to supporting our community in times of need. Witnessing the devastating impact of Hurricane Beryl on the fishing boats, we knew we had to take action. Our event aims to provide the necessary support for our fisherfolk to recover and rebuild their livelihoods.
“This event is a testament to our commitment to supporting our fisherfolk through these challenging times, and through it, we aim to provide the necessary assistance for a full and swift recovery.”
Thanking the organisations for coming together to host the fundraiser, Chief Fisheries Officer Dr. Shelly-Ann Cox noted that the funds raised will assist with propelling the recovery efforts and getting boats back into the water to harvest fresh fish.
Chief Fisheries Officer Dr. Shelly-Ann Cox (third from left) during a recent site visit to finalise plans for the charity event, Harbouring Hope – Operation Blue Recovery, in aid of the fisherfolk community. Also pictured are Hilton’s Katrina Coleman (third from right) and Téresa Nicholls (right), the Division of Fisheries’ Akeila Chapman (second from left) and Barbados Arts Council’s Jill McIntyre (left).
She said, “No value can be placed on the future of our fishing partners who have not only lost their income, but also their peace of mind for the intermediate future. As you are aware, the fisheries sector is a cornerstone of our island’s economy and culture. Harbouring Hope: Operation Blue Recovery, the sector’s positive response after the catastrophic impact of Beryl would not be possible without the outpouring of love and support from collaborators across the private and public sector.
“We are extremely grateful to our partners for their acts of kindness and passion for hosting such a one of a kind event. This collaboration employs a creative approach to engage corporate Barbados through the use of ocean-inspired music, poetry, art and dramatizations, and will also pay tribute to fisherfolk stalwarts that have made a significant contribution to the fishing industry.”
Harbouring Hope – Operation Blue Recovery will feature silent and live auctions, raffles and local entertainment. (PR)