“We want to ensure that this fishing industry remains vibrant” – Minister Mustapha

…reaffirms Govt commitment to strengthening fishing industry, addresses Corentyne River fishing licence issue

Fisherfolk along Guyana’s Corentyne Coast continue to face mounting challenges due to long-standing complications surrounding the acquisition of fishing licences from the Surinamese Government, a requirement that many consider both restrictive and unfair. The issue has not only disrupted livelihoods but also raised concerns over sovereignty, maritime rights, and regional cooperation. However, Guyanese fisherfolk can expect continued Government support as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen and modernise the local fishing industry. This assurance came from Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha, during a meeting with fisherfolk at the Albion Landing Site, Corentyne, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) on Saturday. He pointed out that the challenges faced by fisherfolk are not being ignored. Instead, the Government is taking a multi-pronged approach to improve infrastructure, reduce operational costs, and ensure safety at sea.

“We want to ensure that this fishing industry remains vibrant. We have been working very closely with you,” he emphasised to the gathering. The meeting follows a series of direct engagements between the Ministry of Agriculture and fishing communities across the country, reflecting the administration’s focus on inclusive, ground-level governance.

Fishing licences issue
Addressing dozens of fishers from Albion, Port Mourant, and surrounding areas, Minister Mustapha acknowledged both the opportunities and challenges facing the sector, particularly regarding licensing issues related to operations in Surinamese waters.
Speaking on the long-standing issue of fishing licences required by Suriname for Guyanese vessels operating near the Corentyne River, he reminded the gathering that a commitment had been made several years ago by Suriname’s former administration to issue 150 licenses to Guyanese fisherfolk, a promise that remains unfulfilled.
“You all know that some of you sometimes fish in Suriname waters. And we have been having serious problems in terms of licences for our fisherfolks.” Minister Mustapha said.
“A few years ago, the former Government in Suriname made a commitment that they would licence 150 Guyanese fisherfolk. But they reneged on that.”
Mustapha expressed cautious optimism following President Dr. Irfaan Ali’s recent visit to Suriname, where the issue was reportedly raised once again at the diplomatic level.
“I am very optimistic and hoping that the new Government that is there, we can realise that commitment that the previous Government would have made, in getting licences for our fisherfolk, so that you are fishing hassle-free.”
For decades, Guyanese fisherfolk operating off the Corentyne coast – particularly those from communities such as Albion, Port Mourant, Rose Hall, and No. 66 Village – have depended on access to rich fishing grounds that lie near or within the disputed maritime space between Guyana and Suriname. However, to legally operate in these waters, they are required to obtain licences from the Surinamese authorities, a process fraught with bureaucratic obstacles, political sensitivities, and allegations of corruption. While the Corentyne River and surrounding waters have been a shared fishing zone for generations, Suriname maintains strict control over the licensing regime, often issuing permits to a select group of vessel owners who, in turn, “rent” or “sublet” them to Guyanese fisherfolk at exorbitant costs. This informal arrangement, though technically illegal under Surinamese law, has become a lucrative black market, leaving Guyanese fishermen vulnerable to exploitation. The Suriname Government issues the licences at US $150 per year. Many of the licences are not granted to the actual boat operators, but to Surinamese brokers, some of whom demand payments of US $3000 to US$5000 per licence per year. Without valid Surinamese licences, Guyanese fishing boats risk being intercepted by Surinamese authorities, which has happened numerous times over the years. In some cases, boats have been seized, and crew members detained, often without timely legal recourse. As the region continues to face evolving challenges – from maritime jurisdiction issues to rising operational costs – fisherfolk in Berbice say they are hopeful that promises made at the national and regional levels will soon translate into real, lasting solutions.