Fisherwoman carrying on family legacy

Born into a fishing family in Norwich, Portland, 30-year-old fisher Shashay Shaw sees fishing as more than just a livelihood; but a way of life deeply embedded in her family’s tradition. 

“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,” Shaw said.

Operating out of the Lower Bryan’s Bay/Norwich area, Shaw has steadily built a name for herself in a field traditionally dominated by men. She 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 [to question]: What was I doing out there?… until they actually saw me on videos doing what a man is capable of doing,” she said.

Shaw acknowledges that fishing presents many challenges, including [from] spending hours at sea to travelling long distances in search of catch.  Nonetheless, she is encouraging more young women to consider entering the industry.

“It’s not hard to be a fisherfolk,” she said, while urging interested persons to contact the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining for information to help guide their decisions.

She 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, [and] if it's something that you would wish to pursue,” she said.

Shaw 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 agriculture ministry through the National Fisheries Authority, 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.

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