It is not the first time that engines and equipment have been stolen from fishermen at Culloden Bay. Sheldon Cooper, President of the Golden Lane Fisher Folk Association, spoke on behalf of his members about the latest incident.
Cooper stated that their equipment continues to be stolen because they do not have access to proper facilities. The Culloden Bay fishing facility has been in disrepair for several years, despite their efforts to maintain it using their own resources. In an attempt to resolve these problems, Cooper said the association has been sending letters to the Department of Fisheries.
We reached out to the Secretary of Food Security, Natural Resources, the Environment, and Sustainable Development, Natisha Charles-Pantin, for comment. She explained that the problems faced by Culloden Fishermen are not unique because most of the fishing facilities around Tobago are in disrepair. She noted that they are challenged with funding, which prevents them from conducting all the necessary repairs at the same time. However, they are attempting minor repairs around the island. There are plans to address the Culloden Fishing Facility in the next fiscal year, utilising URP workers.
