Dear Citizens of Guyana,

OVER the past four years, Guyana has witnessed a transformative shift in the fisheries and aquaculture sector, one that marks a clear departure from the stagnation and neglect that characterised the period under the previous APNU administration and has also shown the visionless approach of the new parties who will be contesting this year’s election.

Under APNU’s leadership, this sector, so vital to our economy and the livelihoods of thousands, languished without direction, investment, or vision. Our fisherfolk were left without the infrastructure they desperately needed, while our nation remained overly reliant on seafood imports, draining valuable foreign exchange.

It must be highlighted that since taking office, the current government has worked tirelessly to reverse this decline. Today, I am proud to see the success of the Brackish Water Shrimp farming, the fisheries infrastructural sector and major improvements in the vessel monitoring systems among other areas.

When we speak about the Brackish Water Shrimp Farming, Guyana produced a mere 112,000 kg of brackish water shrimp in 2021; however, through strategic investments and targeted support, production increased to an astounding 1.1 million kg in 2024. This tenfold growth has not only reduced the dependency on imports but has also created jobs and generated significant revenue for coastal communities.

As it relates to the Fisheries Infrastructure Development, while the previous administration allowed critical infrastructure to deteriorate, the government of the day has invested $300 million to develop and upgrade fisheries landing sites across Regions 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6. These improvements are ensuring safer, more efficient operations for fisherfolk and boosting the sector’s productivity.

Furthermore, it must be noted that in keeping with the commitment to sustainability and maritime safety, 100 vessel monitoring devices were installed on commercial fishing vessels operating in Regions One through Six. APNU had no such initiative in place, ignoring the need for resource management and enforcement mechanisms that are now essential to safeguarding our marine resources.

These are not just numbers; they represent lives improved, communities uplifted, and a nation moving confidently towards food security and sustainability. The contrast is clear. Where APNU failed to act, PPP/C delivered. Where they overlooked our fisherfolk, PPP/C empowered them.

Let us not return to a time of inaction and neglect. Let us stay the course of development and transformation.

Yours sincerely,

Fawaz Harry