Three fishermen are relieved to be among the first ten recipients of loans and grants to help cover the cost of rebuilding or replacing their boats, which were destroyed or damaged by storm surge from Hurricane Beryl in 2024.

They spoke to journalists following a briefing on the Vessel Replacement Programme, which revealed an allocation of up to $18 million for loans and grants to replace more than 70 vessels affected by the hurricane.

Long-time fisherman Anthony Durant said he feels positive about the information disclosed at the press briefing, especially after successfully being approved for a loan to cover the cost of replacing his boat.