Allegations that political affiliation influenced the distribution of replacement fishing vessels have been firmly rejected by Minister of State with responsibility for Fisheries, Jullan Defoe, who says every beneficiary was selected through a transparent verification process based on established criteria.
The minister addressed the issue during a ceremony in Scotts Head where the government handed over the final batch of replacement fiberglass fishing vessels to beneficiaries whose boats had been damaged or lost. The initiative forms part of a wider programme to help fishers restore their livelihoods and strengthen Dominica’s fisheries sector.
Defoe acknowledged that questions had been raised publicly about whether political considerations influenced the selection of recipients, but insisted that the programme was administered without regard to political affiliation.
“I am the first to tell you on this platform that zero political affiliation played any part in assessing beneficiaries,” he said. “These beneficiaries had to meet some key criteria.“
According to the minister, each application underwent a verification process to confirm that the claimant had suffered the loss or damage of a vessel and had previously invested in the fisheries sector. Only those whose claims were assessed and validated qualified to receive assistance.
“Every individual… had already invested in the sector, and the government now is assisting them to restore their livelihood,” Defoe explained.
The boat replacement programme has assisted 54 approved beneficiaries, with the Scotts Head handover marking the final phase of the initiative. Officials say the programme is intended to help fishers return to sea more quickly, improve productivity and contribute to the continued development of coastal communities.
Acting Chief Fisheries Officer Wynnona Joseph described the vessel distribution as an investment in both the fisheries industry and the people who depend on it. She said the programme demonstrates the government’s commitment to building a stronger, safer and more resilient fishing sector while improving opportunities for fishers across the island.
Defoe said transparency remained a guiding principle throughout the programme and maintained that public confidence depends on ensuring assistance reaches those who genuinely qualify. He added that the government’s objective is to support the long-term sustainability of the fisheries sector by helping fishers recover from setbacks and continue contributing to Dominica’s food security and economic development.
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