Govt poured millions into fishing sector – Agri minister tells fisherfolk

Addressing fishers at Sheet Anchor in Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) on Saturday, Agriculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha, said that the government has invested hundreds of millions of dollars in the fishing sector and a number of fishing ports and landing sites have been upgraded.
He emphasised the importance of rehabilitating fishing ports as part of the government’s efforts to enhance the fishing industry while highlighting that the rehabilitation of these ports would improve infrastructure, boost productivity, and support local fishermen. The initiative aims to provide better facilities for fish processing and storage, ultimately contributing to the economic growth of coastal communities and ensuring a sustainable fishing industry. Mustapha has also said the government’s commitment to investing in the sector to ensure that it meets modern standards and can compete effectively in both local and international markets.

“What we found was that there were situations where the fishermen or fisherfolks used to use places that were not conducive to their safety. When they come out of the boat, they had to go down in the mud and bring up their catches, which was strain on them. We recognise the importance of you. You are very important for the economy of our country. The fishery sector employs approximately 18,000 persons directly. Eighteen thousand persons earn their livelihood directly from fishing in the is country. That is why we are trying to modernise and implement systems so that you can have an easier way to bring up your catches,” he pointed out.
Responding to some complaints that there has been a reduction in catches, the agriculture minister noted that his ministry partnered with the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) and carried out a study to find out the reason for a reduction in catches.
“The FAO joined with the Government of Guyana and carried out a study to see why in this part of the world they are experiencing low catches; it came about because of climate change. When you read the report, you will see that the fresh water coming from the Amazon and because of the freshness of the water and the reduction in the salinity, the fishes have moved to different grounds. That is the main reason for you experiencing a reduction in the number of fish you used Mustapha said there is a need for fishers to get into other activities. About eighty fishers operate at sea from the New Amsterdam/Canje area.
“We cannot only depend on this one activity for out livelihood, we have to do other things. As Minister of Agriculture, I am prepared to work along with you to go into other activities – not to leave fishing… So, when you have low catches, you can go too the alternative activity.”
The minister implored on the fishers to form themselves into four groups and cultivate Brakish Water Shrimp. The Ministry will work closely with each group.
The production of Brakish Water Shrimp in region Six has moved from 10,000 kilograms monthly to 100,000 kilograms.
Mustapha said efforts will be made to acquire land and his Ministry will dig the ponds for the shrimp.
“Machines will be made available once they land is identified,” he promised.
Meanwhile those who want to get into other crops the minister said that his ministry will work closely with those fishers.
“We can work along with you to help develop a small plot so that you so that you can work and plant your own vegetables and get something to sell in the market. We can supply all the planting material, chemicals and show you how t do it… This thing is not only one activity; we as the PPP/C [People’s Progressive Party/Civic), we want to empower you. That is why when you have an issue, we come and we listen to you and bring alternative ideas as t how we can improve your lives – that is the vision,” the Minister explained to the fisherfolk before informing then that through the Government food hampers were going to be distributed to them.
The distribution was made at the end of the meeting.
Meanwhile, during the meeting among the issues raised were the damages caused to fishing pins and nets in the Berbice River by cut grass coming out of the Canje River and the need for a a step at the New Amsterdam Market wharf.
Both issues were addressed to the satisfaction of the fisherfolks.
A meeting is to be arranged with the contractors cutting grass within the Canje River to clear it and the fishers. Also Mustapha agreed to construct the step at the New Amsterdam market wharf.