Sea Moss Farm Destroyed

Tavio Simmons and his entrepreneurial journey in sea moss farming recently faced an unexpected and devastating challenge. Hurricane Beryl struck the island of Bequia, destroying the sea moss farm he had built with the support of Hunter’s Grant.

"Hurricane Beryl hit Bequia on July 1. On the morning of July 2nd I went to the sea moss farm and it was gone. We were prepared for wind and rain but not the storm surge. I was stunned—everything was gone and, to this day, I have found no remnants of what was," Tavio shared.

Despite this setback, Tavio remains determined to rebuild his operation from the ground up, using the limited resources his team still has.

"My biggest challenge since then has been motivation,” Tavio explains. “I needed to rebuild the courage to start again. I am ready now to put this disappointment behind me and move forward."

In the face of adversity, Tavio’s commitment to his community and the sea moss farming project shines through. His team, though small, shares his resolve, ready to rebuild the farm and continue their work in sustainable aquaculture for the benefit of their island. "We will rebuild a more secure sea moss farming system with stronger (cement) anchors and underwater frames to protect against the surface currents," he said.

What truly sets Tavio apart is not just his resilience—it’s his generosity. After reading about Melinda Robinson’s hydroponic farming project, Tavio didn’t hesitate to offer to be her mentor when asked. Even though he’s dealing with his own challenges, Tavio is still willing to help others. This shows just how selfless he is and how much he believes in lifting others up, even when his own situation is tough.

Tavio’s decision to help a young entrepreneur while rebuilding his own farm shows his strong commitment to his community and the people around him. It’s a clear example of his character and his belief in paying it forward.

We’re proud to see how Tavio keeps showing the spirit of generosity and perseverance that Hunter’s Fund stands for.

We are confident that Tavio will overcome this setback and continue to inspire others along the way. If you’d like to help Tavio, please consider donating (information at the bottom of this page) and specifying that your donation is for Tavio.

"I have learned a lot over the past year and I do not plan to walk away," he said.