Holding onto Heritage: Bajan Fishing Boats

The fishing sector in Barbados has for a very long time been a major source of economic development for the island. Most of the fish consumed locally have been caught, cleaned and packaged by the hands of the dedicated fisher folk who span generations of Barbadian households. In order to keep ahead of the large demand for fish within the island, fisherman build and maintain their boats by hand. These magnificent wooden structures have been carved by hand, over a span of numerous months and hundreds of hours, blood, sweat and tears. Launches or day boats as these vessels are commonly known; are usually between 6-12 meters in length and double that in height. They are propelled by inboard deisel engines and are primarily used for harvesting flying fish and other larger fish. Bajan fishing boats are usually painted bright, cheerful colours and can be spotted docked along the shore of Barbados’ popular fishing villages, such as Oistins Bay Garden in Christ Church, Skeete’s Bay in St. Philip and Six Men’s in St. Peter. These boats are a fantastic site and stand firm as a beautiful part of Barbadian heritage. Unfortunately, they are very few locally trained boat makers left on the island however, we hope this amazing skill lives on for many more centuries to come.