Budgetary support for fisherfolk increased to $1.3B under PPP/C Govt – Mustapha

…says better services, conflict resolution, more facilities ahead

While consulting with fisherfolk in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), during which a number of issues raised at the meeting were resolved, Agriculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha also revealed that budgetary support for the fisheries sub-sector, has increased under the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government.

During a recent meeting in Anna Regina, the Minister consulted directly with fisherfolk who ply their trade along the Essequibo coast. The issues raised by fisherfolk include the hurdles they sometimes face accessing Government services set up for their benefit, like the provision of ice for storing the fish.
“I know I’ve met a number of fisherfolk here already, individually. And some would have already raised some issues. As a matter of fact, some would normally call me. But the fisheries department would have contacted some of y’all and y’all raised some issues with them. For example, y’all talked about the unavailability of ice.”
“If that’s an issue, there are two areas on the Essequibo, that are Government properties that we would have sublet to private individuals. I want to make it clear this afternoon, the fisherfolks must benefit from these facilities,” Mustapha said.
The Minister also spoke of the Government’s implementation of facilities for the fisher folk to use, including restroom facilities after they dock. Mustapha also said that the budgetary allocation for fisherfolk has increased under the PPP/C Government.
“When we go about to build these sheds, washrooms and all these facilities in place, we asked that they have maximum consultation. So, we will not build these things where we want to build it. We’ll build these things where the fisherfolk want to build it. So, I don’t know what’s the issue here, that you’re still having problems at Hamilton Court. We’ll have to deal with that issue,” the Minister added.
Mustapha also made reference to a feud of sorts that had broken out between fisherfolk from Essequibo and from West Demerara. According to the Minister, the Ministry will be arranging a meeting with each respective representative, to better mitigate the conflict.
“I already spoke to the Chief Fisheries Officer. And the Deputy is here, who belongs to that area. And this should happen within a week, to bring representatives from both the Essequibo fishermen and the West Demerara people. And let us work out an arrangement,” Mustapha added.
This year, the Agriculture Ministry has been allocated $104.6 billion, a significant investment to boost several sub-sectors such as crops, livestock and aquaculture. This represents an increase compared to the $97.6 billion allocated in the 2024 budget.
Of the $104.6 billion that was allocated to the agriculture sector in this year’s budget, $1.3 billion had gone to the fisheries and aquaculture sector. In 2024, a figure of $1.2 billion had been allocated, while a sum of $743.7 million was allocated in 2022.
This year’s plans for the subsector include the construction of 80 additional brackish water shrimp ponds in Region Six and installation of 50 more fishing cages. In 2024, the Fisheries industry in Guyana had recorded its highest marine production in the last five years; in 2021, the fisheries sector faced challenges with severely low catches, impacting the livelihoods of fisherfolk and overall industry production. In response, the Government had implemented various measures, including grants, consultations, and new interventions, to support and enhance production.
To further boost production and monitor activities in the Atlantic Ocean, the Agriculture Ministry had procured tracking devices for deployment on private boats conducting patrols. In addition to traditional fishing, significant strides have been made in advancing the aquaculture industry. Initiatives such as the expanding brackish water shrimp project, cage culture, and prawn production have also contributed to the diversification of the sector.