SHOULD the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) administration return for a second term following the September 1 General and Regional Elections, Guyanese fisherfolk can expect more direct support, training, co-investment opportunities and a climate fund to enhance their lives and the local industry.

This is according to President Dr. Irfaan, who while speaking at the commissioning of the No. 75 Village Regional Hospital on Thursday noted that the incumbent government has acknowledged the plight of fishers across the country and will work closely with them.

“I want our fisherfolk to know that we have listened to them, we have heard them, and they deserve a life of dignity. Just like we’re supporting every other sector in our country, our fisher folk must be supported, and they will be supported in many different ways,” he President said.

President Ali had outlined plans to adopt newer technologies, training and equipping fisherfolk with the tools needed to ply their trade with greater precision.

The government too will continue to support them with subsidised fuel, building out landing facilities, and provide support in reinvesting in their vessels.

“We’re going to work by helping them in social protection programme like income diversification, expanding the aquaculture programme, the swamp shrimp programme giving them alternative means of earning an income, diversifying their income base, we’re going to support them with greater grants, investing in their safety and security, filling out the infrastructure to support them, supporting them in market and market access, expanding the market, helping them in cold storage, helping them in processing, so that they can have higher value for their product,” the President said.

On the climate change front, through the low carbon development strategy, the government intends to establish a climate resilient fund that would protect them against climate realities.

This will not only cater to boat owners and fishers, but vendors will also see massive support as the government aims to build a strong, secure, stable and prosperous future for all Guyanese.

Back in 2022 a one-off cash grant of $150,000 was announced by the government to assist fisherfolk.

It was introduced to combat the financial burdens caused by low catch rates, rising operational costs, and the increasing cost of living, the grant also aimed to support the government’s goal of making Guyana a Caribbean food supply hub.

Just about 5,000 fisherfolk benefitted from this direct support.