Minister of Agriculture Robert Persaud outlined government’s vision and plans for the aquatic sector this year during a meeting with representatives of the Fishermen’s Co-ops on Monday.
According to a Government Information Agency (GINA) press release during an interactive session with stakeholders, Persaud said government is seeking to up interest in agriculture and its new and emerging sub-sectors. He noted that while it is important for co-ops to be successful, this year’s focus will be on self-reliance.
“Co-ops are very important if we are going to make success in the fisheries sector. You are also required to be more organised and to have effectiveness in this regard,” he said. Persaud also discussed fuel smuggling and improved management of coops. The meeting also heard that plans have been put in place to modernise, maintain and harvest aquatic resources sustainably and to ensure security and safety at sea, provided by the home affairs and labour ministries respectfully.
The minister said government’s vision for the fisheries industry includes establishing a competitive and lucrative fisheries industry-where resources are safeguarded for future generations; creating a productive, vibrant and competitive aquaculture sector which contributes not only to food security and poverty alleviation but to increased export and foreign exchange and regulating and monitoring inland fisheries in order to obtain optimum balance of sustainability and economic benefit. It also plans to accelerate the development of the aquaculture sector as envisaged by Guyana’s Low Carbon Development Strategy.
GINA said the representatives voiced concerns about damage to the Charity Fishermen’s Coop fence by vendors, high electricity bills, piracy and they asked for assistance to fix the ice machine.
In response, the minister said talks will be initiated soon with the Guyana Power and Light to address the electricity bills. He also urged the co-ops to cooperate to fight piracy and to learn the latest technology.
According to GINA the sector employs over 14, 000 fishers and fish farmers and 5,800 persons in processing and marketing. About 15,000 persons depend directly on fisheries; with many more benefiting indirectly from fish-related occupations such as boat building, supply and repair.
In an effort to boost the lives of fishermen, government passed the new fisheries act in December 2002.
It was signed into effect on July 25, 2003, while an anti-piracy revolving fund of $5M was also set up to assist fishermen and boat owners to return to their livelihoods in the event of piracy.
