Twenty-one fishermen were presented with cheques amounting to $208,000 at a special presentation held at the Fisheries Conference room on Tuesday. Presenting the cheques was Minister with responsibilities for Fisheries Hon. Gregory Bowen. These cheques were reimbursements to fishermen for the repairs they had done to their fishing boats following the damage sustained as a result of the passage of Hurricanes Ivan and Emily. In addressing the Fishermen Hon. Gregory Bowen revealed that the payment was made possible as a result of a grant which was received from the FAO. He gave the assurance that the Ministry wants to ensure that there is not a repeat of the mistakes which were made with the Agricultural Emergency Rehabilitation Program and as such they are providing payments based on receipts which have been received. Acting Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture Mrs. Ann Isaac who was also present at the ceremony is spearheading the preparation of the payments. Another $407,000 is expected to be spent towards another one hundred fishermen who are waiting for assistance. Hon. Gregory Bowen said that in this case they will not be given cash but will be allowed to go to the firms and obtain materials which will be used to repair their boats. The Minister thanked the Fishermen for working hard towards feeding the nation and made a passionate plea for them to look towards the possibility of obtaining insurance for their boats. Source: Ministry of Agriculture