20 years ago when we began working as CESO volunteers in Tobago, our apartment looked out over Barbados Bay where we watched fishermen leave at dawn to fish and bring in their catch mid to late afternoon to sell on their crudely built stalls. They had to outsource ice to keep their catch fresh on their boats (perogs). We had worked at FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization) in Rome and knew of a program that they might be able to utilize to gain funding to build a market with the best of facilities (ice maker, stainless steel cutting tables, running water, individual lockers, washrooms, changing cubicles, air conditioning), Fishermen needed to organize and involve the Dept of Fisheries because any initiative like this must be directed by government. So, over several years, meetings were held, the organization strengthened, representatives were chosen to meet with government, approval was sought. It all seemed quite futile when, to our surprise we received an email with a picture attached of the facility being built!
Below are pictures of the facility as we found it this time.
 |
| Barbados Bay Fishermen's Market Feb 2020 |
 |
| Although the sign says Open each morning and Closed each night, the door is locked and no one is there during the day! |
 |
| We had a great visit with one of the fishermen, Mr Olivery. He will be 80 years old in a few months but he regularly takes his boat out fishing. He also enjoys his regular dance night each week! |
The slide share (link below) includes pictures of the boats at Barbados Bay. Activity is much the same as we experienced when there pictures were taken. Fishermen still sell at their stalls as shown.
https://www.slideshare.net/LydiaSorflaten/a-taste-of-tobago
No comments:
Post a Comment