Dear Editor,
The secondary tops the primary, as “805 fisherfolk in Reg 5 receive(d) (their) $150,000 one-off cash grant.” While this is a promise kept, and the grant is bound to be of immense help, I just love the fact that VP Bharrat Jagdeo urged fishermen to qualify themselves in other fields. This is a topic I will get back to, but first let me say that the fisherfolk of Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice) must always bear in the mind that ‘cost of living’ worldwide is ever on the rise. So that when the Government of Guyana is helping to ease the ‘burden of livelihood,’ it is no mean feat. This news then is quite satisfying even as it is reflective. So, joy for the people and kudos for the Government, as “grants were distributed to over 805 fisherfolk in the Abary, Bath, Blairmont, Bush Lot, Mahaicony, One Door, Onverwagt, Rosignol, Three Door, Number Two, Number Three, Number Four, Number 11, Number 12, Number 29 and Number 37 Villages.”
Let’s keep in mind that this rising cost of living is still on going, as the effects continue to hit the world in terms the war in Ukraine and the COVID-19 pandemic, which have affected the global supply chain, and in many cases have decimated earning power for many businesses.
Now for the Vice President and his telling the fisher people about not being one-dimensional. Like him, I add that “… you can’t just go and fish because you will be left behind if you only have that skill. You have to make some sacrifices if you want to make some progress.” In fact, Jagdeo added that touch of hope, as he assured the affected group “… that Government is prepared to provide the programmes and also pay for training, so you can develop yourself.” This means that for those affected now, and in the likelihood of others suffering from a similar fate, there can be an equipping for the inevitable changes and necessary redirecting in terms of a livelihood.
In Guyana, it will do us good to remember current times globally demand from the work force much more versatility, where people who can do several things and perform equally in all of them. This obviously will increase the effectiveness and the quality of the outcome of each task, and help companies incorporate multi-talented people suitable for different positions within the same field. Another thing to note is that as companies continue to find ways to cut costs and counter competition from other organisations, they will definitely look for people who can think on their feet and often perform tasks beyond their job descriptions when needed. More and more recruiters are now trying to find people who not only have the necessary skills required to survive and fulfil the job responsibilities effectively but those who can wear multiple hats. Now is the time for multiskilled employees. The hunting is for the many Jacks-Of-Many-Trades. Thus, fisherfolk must explore other options to earn, such as small business ventures, for which there is Government support.
Yours truly,
H Singh
