Fishermen want Kingston beach fixed up

President of the Chiney Beach Fisherfolk Friendly Society in Kingston, Stanford Hamilton, is commending the latest agreement with the Windward Development Company that has granted a 100-year lease to the fishermen on the property.

The announcement was made by member of parliament for East Kingston and Port Royal, Phillip Paulwell, in Parliament last Tuesday.

Hamilton said the beach has been occupied by fishermen since 1972, but they have been facing challenges with the owners as to where they can occupy.

"At first, we never feel happy because we deh here for years so we shouldn't really lease it, we should've get a part to say it's ours. But we really appreciate that we finally get somewhere to lease because it has been years we have been able to occupy somewhere," he said.

Chiney Beach is located on Michael Manley Boulevard but could easily be overlooked. It is the base for 36 fishermen, but is in dire need of repair and construction. Hamilton said the beach was previously known as Garden Shallow, and would be flocked by vendors and residents seeking the day's catch. However, due to their nomadic lifestyle and investors' interest, vendors have relocated to other fishing villages, leaving Chiney Beach in disrepair.

"We have been here over 45 years. We were first at the bar, then we come on this side where we are now. It is profitable being here because we catch snapper, jack, kingfish, herring, sprat, grunt, tarpon and others. But any little bit of money we make we have to use it and build up the other side. So we not really making much. Thanks to the people dem still for giving us three-quarter acres of their property, but we still would want more," Hamilton said.

He said offers have been made to remodel the beach into the "most sophisticated beach in the south-east region", but feels that would bring more disadvantages to the fishers.

"One of the main problems we have been having is the fence to the seaside. The owners insist on putting up the wall. While it hasn't stopped us from going out and fishing, we use nets and on the seashore, we suppose to have at least 30 feet space on the seafront in case of bad weather. We should be able to bring up the boat because we don't have a jetty. We need more to help us feel like we are really fishermen getting a lease for 99 years," the 62-year-old told THE STAR.

The fishermen are mostly in their 60s. Hamilton said he would welcome donations of more engine-powered boats, jetties, fishing nets and manning sheds to assist them.