-during meeting to address future development
AS the sustainable development of Guyana’s fisheries industry continues to be at the core of discussions, Minister of Agriculture Robert Persaud yesterday met with representatives of Fishermen’s Co-ops to discuss the future of the aquatic sector in 2011.
The Government Information Agency (GINA) reported that the interactive session which was held in the Boardroom of the Ministry’s Regent and Vlissengen Roads Office, is one of many held as Government seeks to encourage more interest in agriculture and its new and emerging sub-sectors.

Minister Persaud, while pointing to the importance of the sector in its effort to diversify, said it is not the administration’s wish that the industry’s co-ops be indebted as a result of their investments.

While emphasizing the importance for co-ops to be successful, the Agriculture Minister also stressed the need for self-reliance, adding that this year, additional emphasis will be placed in this regard.

“Co-ops are very important if we are going to make success in the fisheries sector. You are also required to be more organized and to have effectiveness in this regard,” he said.

Several proposals were also put forward by the subject minister, in relation to improving their functions, while the issue of fuel smuggling and the better management of co-ops were addressed.

Aquatic food is recognized for its vast growth potential, and as the momentum for development in the sector increases, several plans have been put in place for its development.
These include: modernization, maintenance of sustainable harvesting of marine resources, security, and safety at sea provided by the Ministries of Home Affairs and Labour respectfully.

Among some of the issues raised by representatives from co-ops countrywide were: damage to Charity Fishermen’s Co-op fence by vendors; assistance in fixing ice machine; high electricity bill and piracy.

Minister Persaud also urged co-ops to cooperate not only in the fight of piracy but also in technology, since the sector employs over 14,000 fishers and fish farmers, and 5,800 in processing and marketing.

Approximately 15,000 depend directly on fisheries; with many more benefitting indirectly from fish-related occupations, such as boat building, supply and repair.

As it relates to the high electricity bill being received by some co-ops, Minister Persaud said that dialogue will be held shortly with members of the Guyana Power and Light (GPL), to have the issue addressed.

Government in its pursuit to improve the lives of fishermen passed the new Fisheries Act in December 2002.
It was signed into effect on July 25, 2003, while an anti-piracy revolving fund of $5M was also set up allowing fishermen and boat owners to return to their fishing activities in any event of an attack.

Government’s vision for the sector will include:
* Having a competitive and lucrative marine captured fisheries industry-where resources are safeguarded for future generation
* A productive, vibrant and competitive aquaculture sector which contributes not only to food security and poverty alleviation but to increased export and foreign exchange
* A well regulated and monitored inland fisheries to further obtain optimum balance of sustainability and economic benefit
* And the promotion and accelerated development of the aquaculture sector as envisaged by Guyana’s Low Carbon Development Strategy.