Equip Barbuda's Fishers - Protect, Save Lives!

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.

Project Report: Equip Barbuda's Fishers – Protect, Save Lives!
Submitted by: BarbudanGO Inc.
Campaign Goal: USD $11,620
Total Raised: USD $2,064

Overview:
The Equip Barbuda's Fishers – Protect, Save Lives! campaign was launched to raise critical funds to provide GPS equipment for licensed fishing vessels operating from Barbuda. This project responds to the urgent need for safety and protection of our small island’s fishers, many of whom navigate long distances in open waters without reliable tracking tools. Our goal is to strengthen safety-at-sea protocols, preserve lives, and secure livelihoods in this remote fishing-dependent community.

Campaign Performance:

• Total Raised on GlobalGiving: $2,064

• Campaign Goal: $11,620

• A portion of donations were received after the official campaign window closed, highlighting the continued community interest and donor commitment.

• These funds are now being merged with other community-based fundraising efforts, ensuring greater impact and resource efficiency.

Next Steps:

BarbudanGO is proud to announce a major milestone in our mission to enhance fisher safety and marine stewardship in Barbuda. Thanks to the generous contributions from our GlobalGiving campaign and wider community support, we will be able to purchase the first batch of 30 VHF radios and 11 GPS units for Barbuda’s fishing fleet.

Of these, 19 VHF radios will be made possible through the direct funding raised on the GlobalGiving campaign — a testament to the power of collective action and belief in safer, more sustainable livelihoods for our fishers. This marks a transformational first step in our broader initiative to equip all 30 licensed and registered fishing vessels under the Barbuda Fisheries Department with the tools needed to stay connected, navigate safely, and reduce risks at sea.

But we’re not done yet.

We remain steadfast in our commitment to seeing every vessel outfitted and every fisher empowered. Our campaign continues, and with your help, we can cross the finish line. Every share, every donation, every voice helps protect lives and secure a future for Barbuda’s fishing families.

Join us. Let’s make the ocean safer—together.

Community Commitment:
The community of Barbuda has demonstrated overwhelming support for this initiative. Recognizing that the sea is not only a source of food but also of cultural identity and economic stability, residents are rallying to ensure fishers are safe, families are supported, and the local fishing economy is sustained.

We thank all donors for their generosity so far and encourage continued support as we work together to protect lives and livelihoods in Barbuda.

With gratitude,
The BarbudanGO Team