I  PROMISED my friends ‘Budhoo’ and Sandra that I would petition the press on their behalf concerning the poor conditions existing at the fisheries complex at Meadow Bank, hoping that something will be done to alleviate the conditions there.
Now Meadow Bank is a popular fish depot where many persons stop by for the purchase of this affordable seafood.
Very early in the morning one can see customers moving in to make their purchases, yours truly, being one of the loyal customers whenever I am at home in Guyana. Fish is a very cheap source of protein. However, ‘Budhoo’ would not fancy my use of the term “cheap” because that word conjures up the picture that it is a bad item or something lacking in quality.

Rather, he would like me to describe the commodity in terminology such as an affordable source of protein that is rich in omega oils and vitamins. This is exactly what fish is to all of us. Guyanese are the leaders when it comes to the consumption of fish and other seafoods in the Caribbean, if not the world.

The purchase of fish is not a problem since prices are still within the range of the small man’s pocket. My concern is for the individuals who take care of the cleaning or dressing of the item. The area designated is unsightly with the makeshift cleaning tables standing in mud. The situation is worsened when it rains because the entire place becomes slush, and unfit for the workers to ply their trade.
Recent dredging of the nearby canal and the deposition of its contents along the roadway has further aggravated the problem. I do not know under whose jurisdiction Meadow Bank falls; whether under the City of Georgetown or its Neighbourhood Democratic Council.
Whichever ward or council is duly responsible for this facility I do call upon the authorities there to fix the infrastructure such as the building of a concrete pavement to facilitate the people who work there. It will indeed improve the ambience of the place where persons of the likes of ‘Budhoo’ earn an honest living.
You would have noticed that I placed ‘Budhoo’ in lifted commas because that is not his real name. He is an Afro-Guyanese gentleman who takes pride in the fact that, as a young man, he can take home an  honest earning at the end of the day.
He would also tell you in no uncertain way why, particularly the girls, love him because he provides “expert treatment to the seafood,” fish in all its forms. His only concern is for them to see him in such deplorable surroundings is not encouraging. So let us restore some dignity to this special person who provides a vital service.