THOSE with a vested interest in the fisheries sector – the fisher-folk themselves – are, to a man, in concurrence that last Tuesday’s National Fisher-folk Convention was an important undertaking.
The caucus was seen as providing a forum not only to address the challenges in the sector, but to examine whatever opportunities presented themselves as well.
The first of its kind to be held here, the Conference touched on such germane subjects as ‘Sustainable Development of Guyana’s Marine Fisheries – Shrimp and Ground Fish: Ecosystem Approach’; ‘Repositioning of the Industry, and the Important Role of Small Fisher-Folk’; ‘Security and Safety’; ‘Secure Livelihoods Programme’; ‘Approach to Fisheries Management in Guyana’; and ‘Mangrove Restoration and its Importance to the Fisheries Sector’.
The following are some of the comments we elicited in the wake of the meet:

Mr. Oumadeo Bissoon, a fisherman of some 15 years, said the conference was a good one, particularly for small fishermen.
“The meeting is important because fishermen are faced with hard times; it is not easy,” he said. The information that was made available, he said, touched on various issues, is also very important.

Mr. Tony Doodnarine, who, like Mr. Bissoon, has been in the business for well nigh 15 years, said the conference not just tackled important issues affecting fishermen, but also gave them their due recognition.
“There are many challenges… I came here to hear what they have to say and see how best we can go forward,” he said.

Gratifying was how Mr. Watcliffe Charles, who has been in the fisheries sector for going on 30 years, summed up the experience of being part of the conference.
“It is a good thing when a regular man can come here and learn something and talk to the people who make the decisions,” he said, adding that he was very appreciative of being involved in the way forward.

For Mr. Nazrul Madramotoo, a fisherman for 20 years, the importance of such a meet was that it gave recognition not just to the contribution of fishermen to the agricultural sector, but the dangers associated with the trade as well.

Mr. Jagdesh Ramdat, who has been plying the fishing trade for 24 years, deemed the conference a “positive” development for fishermen, as it will bring the industry more to the forefront of things.
He saw having all the stakeholders in the sector under one roof as  a great boon, as it will engender cooperation and networking.
“It is in my interest to have the industry go forward, and that is why I came,” he said.

Mr. Takhur Dyal has been in the business for 26 years. He felt the conference was needed as it helped garner the necessary support the average fisherman needs.
“Security is the biggest thing for us… The conference was good, because we got to talk about this, and also meet other people who can help us,” he said.

Mr. Harrynarine Singh, who has been fishing for 25 years, felt the same way as Mr. Dyal, in that he was able to learn a lot through the conference.
“Every one of us needs to get support. On Fathers’ Day, my boat was burned, and that is just one thing. Security is a problem for lots of us; we got to learn things about what to do, and the help we can get,” he said.

Lastly, we spoke to Mr. Karan Rampersaud, who has only been in the fisheries sector for four years. The highpoint for him, was being able to meet with officials of the Agriculture Ministry.
“We got to meet with the people that are in the position to do something for us; that is why most fishermen come here today; to see what help they can get, because all of us need it,” he said.