Agri Ministry expends $14M to procure seine nets for Corentyne fisherfolk

Sixty-six fisherfolk from Albion and Port Mourant on the Corentyne Coast, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), received seine nets on Saturday from the Government to assist with their operations at sea.
The intervention represents an investment of just over $14 million and follows a commitment made by His Excellency President Dr Irfaan Ali during a meeting with fisherfolk last May.
Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha met with the fisherfolk to deliver the seine nets on behalf of the Head of State.

While offering remarks, Minister Mustapha stated that each fisherfolk will receive seven bundles of seine.
“When we met with fisherfolk at the Albion Sports Complex, they said they needed help with nets. We’ve been in constant contact with your representative here, and today, fisherfolk from Albion, and some from Port Mourant, will each receive seven bundles of seine from the Government, your Government,” he said.
Minister Mustapha also assured the fisherfolk that, over time, they will continue to benefit from additional interventions, as the Government increases budgetary allocations to the sector. He noted that a number of other initiatives have already been implemented to support fisherfolk since the Government took office in 2020.
“We have been increasing budgetary allocations to the sector every year. We’ve been resuscitating all the fisherfolk organisations. We’ve been procuring GPS systems so that fishermen can track their boats while at sea. We’ve also been working with partners both around the country and in neighbouring countries to ease piracy,” he informed the gathering.
“I know that the Guyana Police Force has been working diligently to address that. We’ve also removed the taxes placed on fishing inputs and made adjustments to the tax structure, making outboard engines of 1500 horsepower and under duty-free,” he explained.

Minister Mustapha further stated that the other agencies within the Ministry will work along with fisherfolk to empower them to supplement their income.
“If you look at our 2025 to 2030 manifesto, you will see that we have a lot of plans for the fisheries sector. We don’t want fisherfolk to depend on artisanal fishing alone. We have to diversify the sector. From the Ministry’s perspective, we are looking to get you involved in additional activities so that you can supplement your income.”
He said too that in the coming months, persons will see officials from the different agencies working along with them to get involved in additional activities so that they can supplement their income.
Additionally, the Government will be investing in cold storage facilities and putting systems in place to link fisherfolk directly to markets.