Equip Barbuda's Fishers - Protect, Save Lives!

When the fishing boats of Barbuda leave the shore before sunrise, they carry with them more than nets and hope for a good catch—they carry the livelihoods of families and the traditions of a community built on the sea. Yet for many years, one critical element of safety was missing from many of these vessels: reliable communication.

Thanks to the generosity of Barbudango’s supporters, that gap has begun to close. Funds raised through the Barbudango community made it possible to purchase VHF radios for local fishermen and their vessels, ensuring they now have a reliable way to communicate while at sea.

To the end of last year, the radios were formally handed over to the fishermen in partnership with representatives from the Barbuda Council Fisheries Department. Their officers are working currently and directly with the fishermen to oversee the proper and professional installation of each radio aboard the vessels. This collaboration ensured that every piece of equipment was not only delivered, but correctly fitted and ready to be used when it matters most.

For the fishermen, the radios represent more than a new piece of gear. They provide a lifeline—allowing crews to stay connected with one another, call for assistance if needed, and receive important updates while out on the water. For families waiting on shore, they bring peace of mind.

This initiative reflects what can happen when a community and its supporters come together with a shared purpose. Through Barbudango and the generosity of its donors, Barbuda’s fishermen are now better equipped to navigate the waters safely, protecting both their livelihoods and their lives.

Links:

• Community Efforts Delivers Safety Equipment
• Barbuda Fisheries Department Handover

Project: Equip Barbuda’s Fishers - Protect and Save Lives
Report #2 – November 2025

Summary

Thanks to the continued generosity of the GlobalGiving community, we are proud to report a major advancement in our mission to equip Barbuda’s licensed fishers with essential safety and communication devices. This period saw the successful purchase and handover of 19 VHF radios—an important step toward ensuring that all fishers can navigate safely and communicate effectively while at sea.

Impact: 19 New VHF Radios Delivered to Fishers

On November 15th, as part of Barbuda’s annual Ocean Fest held at the Fisheries Complex, we officially handed over 19 VHF radios to the Fisheries Department. These radios are vital tools that help fishers stay in touch with each other, receive weather updates, and call for help during emergencies.

The handover at a major public event created visibility, celebrated community progress, and reaffirmed our commitment to transparency.

Collaboration in Action: Additional 22 Beacon Locators Donated

The overall target was strengthened even further when another community partner secured 22 beacon locators—devices that allow fishers to be located during distress or search-and-rescue operations.

Collectively, the efforts of different community entities are working to bring the community closer to the goal of equipping 30 licensed fishing vessels with a full set of safety devices.

Story from the Field

During the handover at Ocean Fest, the ceremony paused for a moment of silence in honour of the three fishers who lost their lives in December 2024. Their tragic passing was the seed of this campaign, igniting a collective call for better safety resources for those whose livelihoods depend on the sea.

Family members, fellow fishers, and community leaders stood in quiet reflection, recognising that the safety equipment being distributed—VHF radios, beacon locators, and eventually GPS units—represents not only progress, but a promise that such a tragedy should never be repeated.

What’s Next? Remaining Equipment Needed

To fully outfit all 30 vessels, we still aim to secure:

• 8 more beacon locators
  
  
• 11 additional VHF radios
  
  
• 30 GPS units
  
  

The campaign continues, and with your support, we will reach the finish line.

Thank You

We extend sincere gratitude to the entire GlobalGiving network. Your compassion and commitment directly support the people who brave our waters daily to provide for their families and community.

Together, we are building a safer future for Barbuda’s fishing industry.