There is a rich history and folklore associated with the agricultural and fishing community of Moruga. Made up of several villages and blessed with bountiful, arable land, Moruga produces a wide variety of food crops and fruits.
There is also a vibrant fishing industry – one that residents boast of with pride.
A visit to the rural community on one of the rainiest days of the year, July 6, provided a few eye-openers. The first one being the constant flow of fish vendors awaiting supplies from the fishermen despite the inclement weather.
[caption id="attachment_900895" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Fresh fish at the La Ruffin port in Moruga. - Angelo Marcelle[/caption]
The La Ruffin port, situated on the River of Hope, is approximately five to ten minutes by boat, depending on speed, from the Columbus Channel where the river ends at the port. The port begins at the Spring Bridge which is no longer in use but was replaced with a modern structure next to it. The Spring Bridge remains a tourist attraction.
Before the covid19 restrictions, from as early as 3 am, scores of fish vendors would be patiently waiting for the boats to come in to purchase their daily supply.
[caption id="attachment_900894" align="alignnone" width="742"] Jason Joseph walks with his salmon and blue wing fish in La Ruffin, Moruga on July 6, 2021. - Angelo Marcelle[/caption]
After spending a couple hours in Moruga, one thing became clear, fish is a major spinner and it fuels a significant portion of the community's economy. It is estimated that over 140 boats use the port to ply their trade.
While vendors await fish, the opposite side of the road is full of activity as fishermen and their helpers work on mending nets at the La Ruffin Fish Facility. In the background, a "cook" has a variety of seasonings laid out and is about to light up a stove to make fish broth for the hard-working crew. In the adjacent property, a mechanic is repairing boat engines and several owners are awaiting their turn for service.
[caption id="attachment_900893" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Vendors and residents gather around to get their portion of fish at the River of Hope, La Ruffin Port, Moruga. - Angelo Marcelle[/caption]
But not everyone is engaged in the hustle and bustle that surrounds the arrival of fishing boats. In a house closest to the main offloading bay, between the river and fishing facility, hammocks sway as their occupants take a time out.
Meanwhile, vendors and people from surrounding communities chatter until that potent sound is heard:
"One coming!" a man shouted. Another leaned his ear in the direction of the noise to confirm that a boat was indeed approaching. Another man who was bailing out water from his boat for the second time in three hours because of the heavy rainfall, stops briefly to see the incoming boat.
[caption id="attachment_900892" align="alignnone" width="1024"] A fisherman throws fish into coolers to be carried off his boat at the
