Persaud reports…
By Tajeram Mohabir

A fisherman aboard the Equator 99 sorts his catch. (Adrian Narine photos)

MINISTER of Agriculture, Mr. Robert Persaud, who also has the fisheries portfolio, disclosed Saturday that the global financial and economic crises have caused a decline, of between 16 and 20 per cent, in local fish export to the Caribbean.

But the markets in North America and those for seabobs remain solid, he told the media aboard ‘Equator 99’ during a five hours journey in the Atlantic Ocean.

The trip was part of the programme to observe Fisherman’s Day 2009 and he said, though the loss can be significant, it is not devastating and his ministry has been engaging stakeholders to look at possible alternatives to address it.

Persaud said the slowdown in the trade resulted from the impact of the global economic meltdown on the region’s tourism sector which has declined to around 30 per cent.

He said the drop in exporting has affected mostly the small fisher folks who have complained of reduction in prices for their catch.

Minister Persaud said he is hoping this situation is temporary and pointed out that, from all indications, there have been encouraging signs of tourism recovering from the global financial debacle.

These fishermen are busy at work.

The sailing on Equator 99, 35 miles in the Atlantic, from Pritipaul Singh Investment Inc. Meadow Bank, Georgetown wharf, was to give media operatives some fishing experience, so they can enlighten the public on the work of fishermen who ply the seas.

The exercise was also to get the media to develop a better appreciation of fishermen’s contribution to the national economy.

Fisherman’s Day is observed on June 29 and, this year, the theme is ‘Recognising Fishermen‘s Contribution to National Development’.

The occasion is also celebrated throughout the Caribbean and coincides with the feast of St. Peter, the Patron Saint of Fishers.

Persaud said the arduous work of fisherfolks does not only speak to their sacrifice but their investment in the industry, as well.

EMPLOYMENT
Locally, the fishing industry provides employment for 10,000 persons and contributes six per cent to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

It is also a major foreign exchange earner, tapping into markets in the Caribbean, North America and Europe, while satisfying domestic need.

Apart from contributing to national income and employment, the fisheries sector contributes significantly to food security and nutrition.

Fish is the major source of animal protein in Guyana and it is estimated that the per capita annual consumption was nearly 46 kilogrammes in 2003, about three times the world average of 16.5 kg.

Persaud said for the enterprise to expand, artisanal fishermen and their colleagues, who operate trawlers, have to comply with the Fisheries Advisory Committee and international regulations.

He challenged trawler owners to modernise and upgrade their operations to retain the markets which ensure the survival of their business.

Persaud said, although trawler owners are not victims of piracy, the same is not the case with artisanal fishermen who are less organised or sophisticated in their operations.

But he said the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Coast Guard have recently been increasing its investment in patrolling, monitoring and carrying out surveillance in the country’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ).

The Ministry of Agriculture has also established a communication network, targeting artisanal fishermen as they are more vulnerable to pirate attacks.

For that purpose, fisherfolks are required to purchase handset radios to communicate with the Coast Guard in times of crisis at sea but some are yet to acquire the device.

That Ministry has provided the Fishermen’s Coop Societies with boats and engines, , to boost response in difficult situations and the Ministry of Home Affairs has given firearm licences to eligible fishermen.

Persaud also noted that Government has established a revolving fund for victims of piracy and passed legislation to make the crime a non-bailable offence.

He said he expects the capacity being built to fight piracy will serve as a deterrent to criminal elements at sea and, in addition to those measures, the Agriculture Ministry is looking at a strategy to, independently, assess at work vessels.