Safer Seas for Barbuda’s Fishers: Community Effort Delivers Lifesaving Equipment
Barbuda’s fishing community reached an important milestone this month as 19 new VHF radios were officially handed over to the Fisheries Department during the island’s annual Ocean Fest celebration on November 15th.
The devices, purchased through contributions from community fundraising activities, civic society groups, and the GlobalGiving network, mark a major step toward improving safety and communication for the island’s licensed fishers.
The handover—between Brandon Walker, Director of Disaster Mitigation at barbudanGO, Devon Warner, former Chairman of the Fisherfolk Association, and Sophia Charles, member of Team Buda—marked a momentous occasion where sustained fundraising efforts by community groups and partnerscame to fruition.
Such equipment is essential and crucial to the safety and daily operations of fishers. especially during bad weather or mechanical emergencies at sea.
The VHF radios will allow vessel operators to communicate with each other and with coastal authorities, receive weather updates, and call for help when needed.
With the sea playing such a central role in Barbuda’s culture and economy, improved safety infrastructure is essential.
The handover event took place at the Fisheries Complex, where community members, local leaders, and fishers gathered to witness the milestone. The atmosphere was celebratory, but also reflective.
A few weeks prior, other community entities donated 22 beacon locators, further strengthening the safety net for fishers.
These devices are designed to transmit a vessel’s location during emergencies, making them critical tools for search-and-rescue operations. Together, the radios and beacon locators bring the island significantly closer to the goal of fully equipping all 30 licensed fishing vessels.
“This is more than equipment—it is life-saving support. Additionally the support brings our fishers closer to meeting the safety regulations set forth by the Antigua and Barbuda Fisheries Authority,” said Anessa Hopkins Head of the Fisheries department of the Barbuda Council.
“Knowing we can reach someone in an emergency gives us peace of mind every time they head out.”
Despite the progress made, the campaign is still ongoing. To fully equip the target of 30 fishing vessels, the initiative requires 8 additional beacon locators, 11 more VHF radios, and 30 GPS units.
The organizers remain optimistic, supported by strong local partnerships and the continued generosity of the GlobalGiving community.
Those wishing to contribute can contact barbudanGO at 773-4604 or make a donation on the GlobalGiving platform under the “Equip Barbuda’s Fishers – Protect, Save Lives!” campaign.
Additional information is available on our Facebook page BarbudanGO, our website www.barbudango.com, or by email at [email protected].
The project’s leaders emphasize that the progress so far is a testament to what collaboration can achieve. While global funding priorities have shifted and climate-related support has become more competitive, this initiative shows that determined community action can still move mountains—or in this case, safeguard the livelihoods of those who depend on the sea.
The fishing industry is the backbone of Barbuda’s economy. Strengthening safety measures not only protects lives but also preserves an essential cultural tradition.
With the continued support of donors, partners, and the local community, Barbuda is well on its way to ensuring that every fisher can navigate, communicate, and be located—no matter the conditions at sea.
