SIXTY-six fisherfolk from Albion and Port Mourant, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) received seven bundles of seine nets, each, on Saturday to assist with their operations at sea.

This intervention follows a commitment made by President Dr. Irfaan Ali during a meeting with fisherfolk a few months ago, where concerns were raised about the need for additional support to sustain the fishing industry.

Minister of Agriculture Zulfikar Mustapha handed over the nets on behalf of the president, fulfilling the promise and underscoring the government’s commitment to the development of the sector and the well-being of those who depend on it. During the simple distribution exercise at the Albion Landing Site, Minister Mustapha explained that each fisherfolk would receive seven bundles of seine.

“When we met with fisherfolk at the Albion Sports Complex, they said they needed help with nets. We’ve been in constant contact with your representative here, and today, fisherfolk from Albion, and some from Port Mourant, will each receive seven bundles of seine from the government; your government,” Minister Mustapha said.

The provision of the nets, valued at just over $14 million, is expected to significantly boost the capacity of the fisherfolk to improve their operations, maintain their livelihoods, and contribute to the country’s food security.

Minister Mustapha also assured the fisherfolk that this support is not a one-off intervention, but part of a broader commitment to ensure that the fishing sector continues to grow. He reminded the gathering that since taking office in 2020, the government has consistently increased budgetary allocations for the sector, and rolled out several initiatives to support fisherfolk.

“This shows the PPP/C’s commitment in ensuring that we fulfil all our promises…,” he said.

The fisherfolk welcomed the distribution, noting that the provision of seine nets would ease some of the challenges they face while at sea. The intervention, they said, demonstrates the government’s ongoing commitment to improving their livelihoods, and ensuring that the fishing industry remains a sustainable pillar in Guyana’s economy.

According to Minister Mustapha, “The fishing industry is one of the most important industries for us. Over 20,000 persons are involved in this industry, and as the government, we recognise the role you play, we recognise the sterling role you have been playing over the years.

“They don’t see sometimes you risk your life, you go out there into the element, the rain, the sun, being in the sea for six, seven days, three weeks, to get fish to come back…We recognise as a government, and that is why we have been ensuring every single year that we increase budgetary allocation to this industry.”

He highlighted some of the measures already implemented, including the resuscitation of fisherfolk organisations, the procurement of GPS systems to help track boats while at sea, and collaborative efforts with national and regional partners to combat piracy.

“I know that the Guyana Police Force and the entire security force in this country have been working diligently to look at that. We’ve also removed the taxes placed on fishing inputs and increased the number of horsepower in terms of engine in relation to taxes being charged on it, duty,” the minister pointed out.

He added that with initiatives like these, the administration continues to reaffirm its promise to support vulnerable groups, enhance food production, and strengthen traditional sectors, even as the country experiences significant growth in new industries.

“If you look at our Manifesto again, we have a number of plans for the fishing sector, but we want also you, as fisherfolk, to not only depend on artisanal fishing alone; you must also be involved in other things. You must diversify the sector; that is why, from the Ministry of Agriculture’s perspective, we are helping you to go into new things; additional activities so that you can supplement your income,” Minister Mustapha said.

He told those gathered that over the next few months, they will see the fishing officers and other officers from other agencies in the ministry, “to work along with you in the fishing sector, also going to different activities to supplement your income”.

Mustapha stressed, “We will ensure that you, as fisherfolks don’t only depend on this activity for your livelihood.”