-highlights unprecedented progress during his term

CHAIRMAN of the Albion Landing Site, Veeran Ramsarran, has joined several members of the Lower Corentyne fishing community in publicly declaring strong support for President Dr. Irfaan Ali’s bid for a second term in office.

Ramsarran highlighted that the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) administration has brought tangible improvements to the lives and livelihoods of the fisherfolk across the region since taking office in August 2020.

“Since the PPP government took office we can see a lot of improvements they have done for fisherfolk all across Guyana. For example, washroom, shed, road…” said Ramsarran, noting that prior to 2020, those facilities were in poor condition.

Explaining the conditions the fisherfolk endured before recent upgrades, he recounted, “it wasn’t an easy thing to come in this road to here, but the PPP/C government see we get road. We get parking facility which is beneficial to all the fisherfolk’s at Albion here [and] let’s not forget the $150,000 cash grant.”

He also praised the government for sticking to its pre-election promises despite challenges.

“The PPP/C before coming into government created a manifesto, never knowing what they gonna reach in the office and then was COVID but in three years they complete their manifesto more than what they said they would do for people across all ten regions, and I know for Guyanese, life has been better.”

Other fishermen echoed Ramsarran’s sentiments, expressing gratitude for what they see as unprecedented support for their sector under the current administration.

Ramsarran, an experienced fisherman put it succinctly: “What you seeing in the light, you don’t want to take lamp and go see.”

Having worked in the fishing industry since 2004, he praised the government for key initiatives that he said made a difference in the lives of those who work the waters. “We benefitted heavily with the road, with gas, with VAT come off the fishing things, this government anything you ask for you always get. The Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha and the Vice-Chairman for Region Six, Zamal Hussain doing a wonderful job. Anything we call, they always do it to help us. I can speak on my behalf; anything we call for they try to help.”

He concluded that the continuation of such progress depends on political stability and continuity. “We as the fisherfolk in Albion here, we endorse the President for the next five years.”

Another young fisherman, 24-year-old Azam Khalil, said he entered the industry seven years ago and has seen significant changes since the PPP/C returned. “We thank them because in the hard time they [does] always be there.”
Veteran fisherman Rohan (only name given), who began his journey in the fishing trade at the age of 14 and now boasts over four decades of experience, also praised the work that was done. “I enjoy this fishing work. Fishing work is a nice job for me, and I enjoy it, and I thank the government for what they doing…”

He expressed optimism for the future, including the possibility of financial support for equipment. “For the next five years coming, they will continue to do better for the fishermen right here,” he said.

The community also highlighted some of the critical infrastructural projects that have transformed their operations. They pointed specifically to the construction of a wharf and shed at the Albion landing site. “These things were made by the PPP/C government and they promised to expand it, and so we glad when they come back they will do it.”

Rohan recalled the poor state of the access road leading to the wharf and commended the PPP/C administration for ensuring its rehabilitation. “This was a mud dam from road to come here and it is a good thing that they do, to build it. Whole day and whole night people actually a come in here.”

Meanwhile, fisherfolk in Lower Corentyne say they feel seen, heard, and supported under the current government, and many believe that re-electing President Ali would ensure that development and support for their livelihoods continue.

As Guyana approaches its next election cycle, the voices from the fishing community at Albion Landing Site offer a clear indication of where their support lies and their hope that progress will continue in every corner of the country.