THE efforts of fishermen to satisfy the demands of the consuming public and earn their daily livelihood often go unnoticed yet they make a vital contribution to the national economy. The local fishing industry contributes some six per cent to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and provides employment to about 15,000 persons in several areas including fish farming, processing, marketing, boat building, repair and supply.

Hall braves the turbulent waves and dexterously walks on a cable to fix a seine on the Equator 99. (Adrian Narine photo)

It is also a major foreign exchange earner, tapping into markets in the Caribbean, North America and Europe, in addition to satisfying local needs.

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. It is estimated that per capita annual consumption of fish was nearly 46 kg in 2003, about three times the world average of 16.5 kg.

The work of a fisherman is an arduous task but in addition to that, piracy, the angry Atlantic Ocean waves among other challenges pose a constant threat to their lives.

However, it would be wrong to say their life is a sojourn to hell, given that notwithstanding the dangers of the sea , many of them are of the view, that the job like any other profession is a risk, but it is their means of livelihood

This was the view shared by Mr. Godfrey Hall, a resident of Goed Fortuin, West Bank Demerara, who is a father of four and a fisherman for some 37 years who from time to time serve as a navigator.

In an interview aboard the trawler named Equator 99 in the vast Atlantic Ocean, the veteran seaman who spends at least seven month a year on the high seas said his profession is an adventure and a trade he has grown to like.

According to Hall, one of the best ways to overcome the dangers at sea is by understanding the various situations in which they occur and devising strategies to cope with the problems.

Some people he said would say the work is perilous but for him, it is a daring escapade that challenges an individual survival skill, makes him tougher, smarter and brave.

The father in his early sixties noted the challenges are many and one that he will always remember was being in a trawler collision one night while working for a Surinamese company.

He said the accident which occurred in Surinamese water was the first and last he has ever encountered as a seaman had sent him into panic mode. At that very moment, the fisherman recalled his fears of dying and the implications of his death on his family.

But luckily, Hall related, no one died in the accident but some crew members suffered minor injuries and what was most important was neither of the vessels sank.

What was ironic about the situation, he said, was the impact of the collision made him felt disoriented and at that point he believed the vessel he was in had slit open, only to realise minutes later that it was not severely damaged.

And like the trawler it collided with both navigated safely back to shore.

Another scary instance, he said was seeing a shark which he estimates to be around 20 to 25 feet next to his trawler but fortunately was not in the vessel’s seine.

He noted too that there were other occasions when the turbulent Atlantic Ocean waves battered his trawler but being accustomed to these situations, he never really felt afraid.

Apart these challenges, the veteran fisherman also spoke of many moments at sea that made him proud but singled out his successful passing of a navigation course stood out of the lot.

A cheery Hall who entertains himself by reading the Bible, listening to oldies songs, playing dominoes and chatting with crew members told this newspaper that it was during his studies, he learned the use of routes, lights and signals and other pieces of vital information while at sea.

This education he said gave him a better appreciation and understating of the profession which encouraged him to make the job his career.

In those days, the fisherman who is also a navigator pointed out that navigators had to use charts to map their course, unlike the use of advance technology today which has immensely simplified this task. He said aside from the adventure he chose to remain in the profession because the business is profitable and has enabled him to provide adequately for his family.

The fisherman happily said too, none of the vessels he has traveled with has ever had any encounter with pirates and being for long periods at sea never affected his family life.

Hall stressed he has become accustomed to the latter and so too has his wife and children. But he said that on all his returns to shore he gives abundant thanks to the Almighty and erupts with joy to be reunited with his family.