Young Female Fisher Expanding Horizons with Gov’t Support – Jamaica Information Service

For 30-year-old fisher Shashay Shaw, fishing is more than a livelihood; it is a way of life deeply rooted in family tradition.

Born into a fishing family in Norwich, Portland, Ms. Shaw reflects on how the industry has shaped not only her own journey but also that of her family, spanning four generations.

“My father [Alvin] and my mother [Alecia] were together… going out in boats fishing… before I was even born. So, it’s something that was developed in me from childhood or from birth,” she tells JIS News.

Operating out of the Lower Bryan’s Bay/Norwich area, Ms. Shaw has steadily built a name for herself in a field traditionally dominated by men.

Her journey recently received a significant boost when she was presented with a 26-foot single-engine boat under the Fisheries Production Incentive Programme during a ceremony at Pagee Beach in St. Mary.

Launched by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining through the National Fisheries Authority (NFA), the initiative seeks to modernise Jamaica’s fisheries sector by equipping fisherfolk with tools and training, with a special focus on youth and women entering the industry.

Ms. Shaw says learning that she had been selected to receive a boat and engine was an emotional moment.

“I was in a state of disbelief. To be honest… when the ceremony was taking place, that was when the reality really hit me that I was actually receiving a boat and engine, and that was truly impactful,” she adds.

Prior to receiving the vessel, Ms. Shaw completed safety and post-harvest training programmes facilitated by the NFA and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).

Being the only female among the four recipients made the achievement even more meaningful for her. She declared, “It means that a woman can do anything.”

Ms. Shaw recalls that when she first entered the industry, many people questioned her presence at sea.

“When I just started fishing, a lot of persons were looking at me as if… what was I doing out there… until they actually saw me on videos doing what a man is capable of doing,” she tells JIS News.

Ms. Shaw acknowledges that fishing presents many challenges – from spending anywhere between seven and 48 hours at sea to travelling long distances in search of catch.

Yet she notes that the acquisition of a new boat has significantly enhanced her operations. With a larger vessel, she is now able to carry more equipment, boosting efficiency and overall productivity.

“It takes me further out at sea, [allowing me] to catch more fish than the typical boat that fisherfolk use. It can carry more equipment… so it will improve my fishing production. This boat is truly resilient. It can withstand any kind of weather [and is remarkably difficult] to damage,” she adds.

The Portland native praises the Fisheries Production Incentive Programme, describing it as a vital platform for empowering young fishers and strengthening the industry.

“These programmes that the Government is bringing into the system are truly important to the youth. They’re teaching young adults how to do fishing at different levels, how to catch fish, ways in which I can catch different types of pelagic fish without having to go far out at sea… which helps to save gas,” she points out.

Ms. Shaw emphasises that safety training is another key benefit of the programme, explaining, “Through these sessions, you learn invaluable skills that can keep you safe at sea.”

She also praises the Government’s wider efforts to modernise the fisheries industry and provide greater support for artisanal fishers.

“They are doing an exceptional job right now. What they are doing is truly important as it relates to teaching [about] the fishing industry,” Ms. Shaw adds.

She emphasises that strengthening the local fishing sector can help Jamaica reduce its dependence on imported products.

“We can actually have a market to feed without having to import fish products for hotels. The market can grow, and persons can learn how to earn,” she explains.

Meanwhile, Ms. Shaw is encouraging more young women to consider entering the industry.

“It’s not hard to be a fisherfolk… . You just have to go to the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining. Seek the fisheries officer nearest to you [and] apply for a fishing licence and ID because you cannot go out there to fish unless you have those,” she adds.

Ms. Shaw also encourages aspiring fishers to seek guidance from experienced professionals in the field.

“Ask someone who does fishing or you can just visit any beach. Ask them to bring you out and let you see what it’s like if it’s something that you would wish to pursue,” she says

Looking ahead, Ms. Shaw intends to leverage the new vessel to further expand her operations and maximise her catch.

“The market will be increasing, and this job as an entrepreneur will still be a part of my life going forward,” she adds.