Come August 2023, the rebate was increased to $2.50. Solidified in Cabinet Conclusion No. 485 of 2023, the rebate is expected to save fishers thousands of dollars.

Fishers will receive their first tranche of payments for the quarter from July to September 2023. Operations Manager of the Goodwill Fishermen’s Cooperative, Kaygianna Toussaint-Charlery confirms that fishing cooperatives have received payment slips for fishermen

“The government agreed to increase the fuel rebate already being received by fissures from $1.50 to $2.50. This was to become effective on August 1st, 2023. I am happy to announce that the corporates are now in receipt of the pay sheets for the quarter of July to September 2023, and the additional dollar as promised is included in the Duty Refund for that period,” Toussaint-Charlery disclosed.

To qualify for the rebate, vessel owners must hold a valid fishing license and be members of registered fisherfolk Co-operative Societies. According to the government, this requirement ensures that the benefits of the rebate are directed to those who are actively engaged in the fishing sector and adhere to regulatory standards.

Furthermore, the rebate is capped at a maximum of 6,000 gallons per fishing vessel

Toussaint-Charlery encourages fishermen to take advantage of the rebate.

“We are encouraging fishers to take advantage of this opportunity, of this additional income that they are going to receive going this quarter and in September 2023 and going forward.”

She adds that the Co-operative Societies are cognisant of the difficulties of the industry and will continue advocating on their behalf.

“We know there are times when they don’t make the expected income from the fishing expedition. As a fisher puts it, you go out there and you never know what you will get and sometimes it's nothing. So we urge them to spend [the rebate] wisely. Obviously, we urge them to save it as much as possible so that they can help ease the pressure on themselves as it relates to the fuel because this is really the whole point of giving it back to them,” she said.

With a maximum fuel quota of 6,000 gallons, fishers are expected to save $15,000.00.