With the ban on the export of catfish (Siluriformes) to the United States still in effect, discussions between technical officers here and in the US are ongoing in an effort to resume the trade.
“Bilateral talks continue between the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Guyana Fisheries Department within the Ministry of Agriculture on the process of complying with U.S. regulations regarding seafood imports,” the US Embassy Public Diplomacy Office reported. The update shared was in response to questions asked by this newspaper.
The ban which has been in effect for almost four years has forced `gilbaka’ export businesses to downsize since they can no longer access the US/New York market. Prior to the ban, it had been lucrative due to the large Guyanese population in NY.