-Region Two Chairperson tells protesting fisherfolk, says all concerns will be addressed

By Indrawattie Natram

REGION Two Chairperson Vilma De Silva recently assured a group of protesting fisherfolk that their concerns will be forwarded to the Ministry of Agriculture for action to be taken.

De Silva along with Regional Vice-Chairman Humace Oodit and Prime Minister Representative Arnold Adams met with the fishermen who had staged a picketing exercise in front of the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) office.

De Silva asked the fishermen to provide a list of persons who are members of the Region Two Fishermen’s Co-op and the persons who were elected to head that body.

During the engagement, the fishermen spoke of the challenges they faced at sea.

Haresh Singh, a well-known fisherman called for an increase in the Coast Guard’s presence in the areas where they operate. Singh said their presence will not only ensure the safety of fishermen but it will also give them some peace of mind.

Singh explained that their fishing nets are often destroyed by others, and he used the opportunity to call on the ministry’s Fisheries Department to represent their interest.

The fisherman who sells his catch at Sparta Village, said that often times fishermen are faced with bullyism and their seines are destroyed at sea.
He said that when their seine is destroyed, their livelihoods are greatly affected.

“Every time I pack my boat is $200,000 and I have four crewmen. When we get disappointment we lose. We need help. Fishermen too need to survive,” Singh said.

He explained that only recently his boat sank because he was forced to move further out to sea.

According to him, the matter was raised with the chief fisheries officer but to date they have not received any feedback. However, the fishermen are thankful that the regional officials hosted them in the RDC boardroom and listened keenly to their concerns and issues.
Meanwhile, Ramanand Jailall, another fisherman said that recently his seine worth $2.5 million was destroyed while at sea.

He said that due to this situation, he is unable to offset his expenses. Jailall therefore called on the Ministry of Agriculture to assist him in re-purchasing some of his seine.

The fishermen told this publication that the discussion was fruitful and they now look forward to prompt intervention.

The fishermen have also requested a meeting with the Minister of Agriculture Zulfikar Mustapha so that they can further discuss the issues affecting them.

De Silva told the group of fisherfolk that they are not alone and that their concerns will be directed to the relevant ministry and authorities.