Ice Supply Crisis Threatens Fisheries Operations in Barbados
Inadequate ice production due to poor management threatens the livelihoods of over 150 fishing boats in Barbados. Fishermen are resorting to costly alternatives, highlighting the need for urgent infrastructural improvements and management reforms.

The fisheries sector in Barbados is facing a critical ice supply issue, impacting over 150 fishing boats reliant on substantial ice quantities for operations. Currently, only one compressor is functioning at the Bridgetown Fisheries Complex, resulting in insufficient ice production and forcing fishermen to seek ice from Grenada or private suppliers.
The president of Black Fin Fleet Cooperative Society, Moonesh Dharampaul, has called for an independent audit of the ice machine and a public-private partnership to enhance efficiency and reduce government costs. Additionally, a report has been requested by senior officials to assess maintenance and equipment needs. This situation has led to frustration among fishermen, with some opting not to work due to the lack of ice, which threatens the sustainability of the industry that supports generational wealth.




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