FISHERMEN in Berbice have expressed their enthusiasm and optimism regarding the planned modernisation of the fishing industry in Region Six.

Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha, pointed out, on Saturday, during a series of meetings with fisherfolk in Region Six, that over the last four years, the investments made in the fishing sector has been tremendous.

“We have rehabilitated and modernised a number of landing sites and wharves around the country; hundreds of millions of dollars were expended,” he said.

Minister Mustapha noted that the fishing sector directly employs approximately 18,000 persons “who earn their livelihood from fishing.”

He told fishermen from Sheet Anchor Village, East Canje Berbice, “You make a tremendous contribution to the economy and we recognise it. That is why we are trying to modernise and rehab the system so that you can have an easier way to bring up your catches.”

According to him, the FAO conducted a study as to why Guyana and this part of the world is experiencing low catches. In response, he said that this is occurring because of climate change.”

Importantly during the discussion with the fishermen, Minister Mustapha said, “you can’t only depend on this one activity for our livelihood, you have to do other things.”

“As Minister of Agriculture, I am prepared to work along with you to go into other things, not to leave fishing. Fishing will be one of the activities, but we will work along with you for other activities so that you can improve your livelihood.”

He said that this is important because when there are low catches, the fishermen would still have a stable income.

With about 70 fishermen in the Sheet Anchor, Canje area, the minister said that they can form groups and the ministry’s fishing department will work along with them.
“We will do some brackish water shrimp ponds and from there we can show you what you will do and then you will take it over,” he said.

Importantly, the minister reassured the fishermen that this initiative is not meant to replace their transitional fishing activities.

“You will not stop your fishing in the sea. You will continue that, but this will be another activity to help supplement your income,” he emphasised to the group of fishermen.

Meanwhile, the region’s fisherfolk in Sheet Anchor, Albion and the Upper Corentyne welcomed the initiative.

One fisherman, Ramkisson, commended Minister Mustapha for the work he was doing and welcomed the new modernisation efforts, particularly the initiative announced by the minister which he said will give them supplemental income.

Ramkisson pointed out that Minister Mustapha does not just make decisions, but he engages those within the industry. “That’s one thing I respect about him,” he added.

Further, the fisherman said, “Whatever this minister says he stands for it and he materialise it.”