IN their desperation, APNU+AFC have resorted to what they know best – tell lies. Their latest lie is that the PPP/C has given out licences to Chinese investors who will eliminate all opportunities for local fishermen. This is a bald-faced lie. The fact is that the PPP/C Government has not given out any licence to any investor – Chinese or any other nationality. This is a fact that they know. The PPP/C Government has had proposals from investors across the Caribbean, North America, Central America, South America, Europe and Asia who are interested in the fishing industry of Guyana, particularly in our deep-sea fishing assets.
None of these interests focus on artisanal fishing, where most of our fishermen make their living. In the trawler business which operates predominantly on sea bobs and prawns, only local fishing businesses are engaged and we have worked closely with the trawlers association to manage this resource, from how many trawlers are licensed to how many months per year fishing is allowed.
In terms of deep-water fishing, we have encouraged our local fishermen to explore the possibility of this major asset. At least one local investor has been given permission to modify trawlers and to begin fishing in zones that are not usually fished by local enterprises.
We have in our discussions with international investors made it clear that we will not allow any fishing in zones where local fishermen make their living. We have also made it pellucidly clear that we will not even consider any interest for fishing in areas for sea bobs and prawns.
It is of interest to us that in spite of many investors who have expressed interest, APNU+AFC has targeted the Chinese investors only. This is in spite of the fact that the PPP/C Government has over three years not agreed to issue any licence to these investors.
Our recent requirement for Vessel Monitoring Devices (VMD) is intended to qualify Guyana for international marine certification that will make Guyana’s fishing product more valuable. These and other initiatives have protected the fishing industry in Guyana.
It is interesting that only the PPP/C has made proposals for the fishing industry in our manifesto. APNU+AFC has totally ignored the fishing industry in its manifesto. Now armed with a set of lies to come to the fishermen and instead of telling fishermen what they will do, they try to fool fishermen with total fabrication and bogeyman politics.
The PPP/C has grown the fishing industry – both marine and aquaculture. We will continue to protect our national assets and ensure that these assets continue to benefit our country.

DR. LESLIE RAMSAMMY