A NEW fishing organisation has been formed on the Essequibo Coast to represent all fishermen, and develop the industry in the Supenaam-Pomeroon Region.Minister within the Ministry of Agriculture, Mr. Alli Baksh, and Minister of Labour with responsibility for cooperatives, Dr. Nanda Gopaul met recently with more than 80 fishermen in the Regional Boardroom at Anna Regina and discussed several issues affecting the fishing industry in Region 2.
FUNDING
Minister Baksh, who interacted with the fishermen, suggested that they form themselves into a broad-based organisation so they can apply for funding to develop the fishing industry.

He said that doing so will be a step forward in moving the industry towards adding value to fish and shrimp. He also reminded fishermen that they can apply for duty-free concessions for outboard engines in specified sizes for the fishing industry, and also for export licenses for shrimp. The Minister, however, warned that certain specifications must be met.

The new broad-based committee will represent twelve areas, namely Cotton Field, Lima, Devonshire Castle, Paradise, Cullen, Sparta, Hampton Court, Golden Fleece, Anna Regina, Lima Sands, Better Success and Charity.

Members representing their respective villages on the committee are:  Dhaniram (Lima); Garbaran Baychu (Better Success); Govinda Charran (Deveonshire Castle- Paradise); Ram Khemraj Allan (Cullen); Kumar Lallbachan (Charity); Deonarine Singh (Sparta); Dyal Singh (Lima Sands); Deochan Narine (Hampton Court); Sepersaud (Golden Fleece); and Aaron Singh (Cotton Field/Anna Regina).

Sparta’s Deonarine Singh will chair the new committee, while Charity’s Kumar Lallbachan is the elected secretary.

Minister Baksh said the new organisation will represent all fishermen on the Essequibo Coast, while Minister Gopaul said he will prepare a draft set of rules and pass it onto the Chairman and Secretary for discussion with members before it is adopted and registered.

The Minister also promised to fast-track the registration of the new organisation through the Co-operatives Department of his Ministry. (Rajendra Prabhulall)