The Ministry of Agriculture (MoA) yesterday met stakeholders in the trawler industry to discuss safety and the securing of the benefits of workers following a fatal explosion in Guyana’s waters and another in Suriname’s water.
A release from the Ministry also said it has completed an internal investigation into an explosion on board a trawler in Guyana’s waters owned by Pritipaul Singh Investment several weeks ago which left its captain missing and presumed dead.
According to the release issued by the Fisheries Department of the agency, it is collaborating with the Maritime Administration Department (MARAD), which has been leading an investigation into the explosion on board the Captain Lloyd 97, and is anticipating a full report soon.
The Saturday, July 19 explosion occurred while the vessel was several miles out at sea in the vicinity of the Waini Coast in the North West and resulted in burns to three crew members, George Fitzpatrick, Orlon Munroe and Leslie Adams. The vessel’s captain Delbert Williams remains missing.
The Ministry convened the meeting yesterday with stakeholders including members of the Guyana Private Trawler Owners and Seafood Processors Asso-ciation, to discuss current issues affecting the industry and among the matters addressed was the safety and compliance of vessels.
It was emphasized during the meeting that the Ministry will continue to engage stakeholders to ensure all requirements and regulations are up to date and the agency noted that it is anticipated that incidents and accidents will be reduced with the safety of workers on vessels being given priority.
The MoA stated that it will be engaging the National Insurance Scheme (NIS) to initiate with the sector a dialogue which will guarantee workers compliance with the scheme. This would ensure that contributions are effected thus safeguarding workers benefits, the agency noted.
It is anticipated, at the level of the Fisheries Advisory Committee that specific and more in-depth discussions will be undertaken to ensure the fishing industry’s sustainability as well as full compliance with relevant regulations.
On July 25 in Suriname’s waters, an unregistered trawler exploded and this eventually led to the death of a Guyanese man. Another Guyanese is missing and feared dead.
