Over 2000 Region 4 fisherfolk receive $309M in grants

More than 2,000 fisherfolk from Region Four on Monday received grant cheques as part of the Government of Guyana’s ongoing relief programme for fisherfolk nationwide.

The distribution exercises were held at the Everest Ground in Georgetown, as well as in Lusignan and Unity on the East Coast of Demerara. According to the Agriculture Ministry the initiative is part of a commitment made by President Dr Irfaan Ali and represents an investment of approximately $309 million.
In total, about 7,000 fisherfolk across the country are expected to benefit from the programme, with overall support amounting to approximately $1.05 billion.
Addressing the gatherings on Monday, Agriculture Minsiter, Zulfikar Mustapha said this is the second occasion on which fisherfolk have received direct grant assistance from the PPP/C Government. He noted that, alongside cash support, the government has been investing in measures to strengthen and modernise the fisheries sector.
Mustapha said millions of dollars have been spent upgrading landing sites nationwide, including the construction of sheds and the installation of water, lighting, security and washroom facilities. He urged fisherfolk to adopt a broader approach to income generation, stressing the importance of diversifying activities beyond fishing.
He also said institutional support for fisherfolk is being reinforced, with plans for training to help them engage in alternative income-generating activities while away from sea. He noted that the National Fisherfolk Organization, working alongside the Fisheries Department, will assist individuals in developing additional livelihoods, including small-scale backyard farming through shadehouse projects.
Highlighting other interventions, Mustapha said the government has introduced measures aimed at improving safety and reducing operating costs in the sector. These include the procurement and installation of Vessel Monitoring Systems on fishing vessels to improve emergency response at sea, as well as the removal of taxes on key fishing inputs such as seine, twine, rope and outboard engines up to 150 horsepower.
He also pointed to ongoing efforts to expand opportunities through training and value-added initiatives within the fisheries sector. According to Mustapha, the Fisheries Department will collaborate with fisheries organisations to equip fisherfolk with skills to participate in value-added processing and alternative livelihood programmes.
Turning to aquaculture, the he said the sector is being developed to create new income streams. He noted that Guyana has begun producing prawns for export and that the initiative will be expanded nationwide. He also cited the brackish water aquaculture project in Region Six as a model that is being replicated in Region Five and other areas.