Hilton Barbados Hosts 'Harbouring Hope: Operation Blue Recovery' Charity Gala for Hurricane-Hit Fisherfolk in Barbados

A unique charitable gala aimed at raising $100 000 for fisherfolk affected by Hurricane Beryl merged creative arts with community action at the Hilton Barbados Resort on Saturday evening.

Harbouring Hope: Operation Blue Recovery, organised in partnership with the Barbados Arts Council, Sustainable Caribbean and the Fisheries Division, showcased ocean-inspired music, poetry and visual arts to catalyse support for the island’s devastated fishing fleet.

The initiative comes four months after Beryl, a category four hurricane, wreaked havoc on most of the fishing industry in the early hours of July 1, destroying vessels critical to the nation’s food security and economic stability.

Hilton Barbados Resort General Manager Jacques Montiel emphasised the hotel’s comprehensive backing of the cause.

“The Hilton is donating every single aspect of this event. We are not collecting a cent from anybody or from anything. We are donating this because we stand as the forefront hotel of the island. And we will do so as long as I’m the general manager,” he told attendees.

“Hilton Barbados is deeply committed to supporting our community in times of need,” Montiel continued. “After witnessing the devastating impact of Hurricane Beryl, we knew we had to take action. This event aims to provide the necessary support for our fisherfolk to recover and rebuild their livelihoods. We will always stand with our community. Today, we fight for the fishermen because they are vital to Barbados’ heritage and economy.”

Chief Fisheries Officer Dr Shelly Cox reminded those in attendance of the hurricane’s devastating impact on the industry: “Seventy-six per cent of our active fleet was damaged, and we had 91 total losses. This wasn’t just about boats; this was about lives, families, and an entire way of life being uprooted.”

Despite substantial damage to larger vessels, including longliners and ice boats that supply most fish to local markets, Cox highlighted the sector’s resilience.

“Even after Beryl, we had other landing sites starting back to fish only two or three days later. Active boats ensured that fresh fish remained available, showing the unwavering dedication of our fisherfolk,” she said.

Recovery efforts since July have shown promising results, she added: “To date, we have 35 boats that have returned to the water, with another five scheduled next week and 11 more soon after. By next April, we’re hopeful to have more than half of the fleet operational again.”