Minister of Agriculture Zulfikar Mustapha has said that committees will be set up at every landing site in Region Two to ensure transparency in the distribution of the $150,000 grant promised to fisher folk.
Mustapha made the announcement on Thursday while speaking at a meeting with fisher folk in the boardroom of the Regional Democratic Council (RDC).
During his address to the gathering, Mustapha reminded that President Irfaan Ali had announced a $150,000 grant for fisher folks across Guyana who are facing hardship.
Mustapha said the distribution process for the grant will be closely monitored to ensure a transparent process.
He noted that the entire month of June will be spent verifying the names of fisher folk and warned that officers will be on the lookout for those who want to cheat the system. He called on the RDC to work along with the Fisheries Department in the region to form committees, which will verify those on the list. In addition, the names of those that applied will be published at the fishing port sites.
Mustapha said the verification process will be done by June and by July fisher folk should be able to receive the grant. He also said that his ministry has recognised that there were “low catches” due to climate change and as a result investments are being made in aquaculture farms. He also said Capoey and Mainstay within the region will benefit from fish cage projects.
Fishermen who attended the meeting agreed with the minister on the need for a verification process. Fish vendors also requested grants however Mustapha reiterated that the focus is on fisher folks.
Also attending the meeting were Regional Chairperson Vilma De Silva, Regional Vice-Chairman Humace Oodit, and Regional Executive Officer Susannah Saywack.
