President Irfaan Ali has assured that his government is moving to support and develop Guyana’s fishing industry.
A release from the Office of the President yesterday informed of Ali’s early morning visit to the Meadow Bank wharf in Georgetown which was prompted by the many concerns raised by stakeholders. He was accompanied by the Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha, officials from the Fisheries Department as well as senior members of the Guyana Police Force.
“I wanted to understand the issues myself. I wanted to be out here in the working environment to understand the challenges that they are faced within the environment they operate in… there are a number of challenges from an infrastructure perspective, from a security perspective…”
According to the release, the president during his visit, toured the entire site and inspected the facilities while listening to the concerns of vendors, porters, and boat owners. He announced that a special task force will be immediately mobilised to address the concerns of the fisherfolk and vendors at the Meadow Bank Wharf.
“I’ve asked the Minister of Agriculture to immediately deploy a task force here… to improve the environment, improve the security.”
He also noted that once the immediate issues are addressed, which includes the installation of lighting facilities, washroom facilities and water; a more holistic development plan will be developed for the area. Instructions were also give to the police to establish a permanent presence at the location to ensure the safety of those plying their trade and the safety of customers.
“The police will have to work immediately in establishing a permanent presence here to support the industry.”
The Head of State also emphasised the importance of the fishing industry not only from an economic but a social perspective.
“The fishing industry is critical for Guyana… just as sugar is important, just as bauxite. Fisheries are critically important, they support thousands of jobs. We are working on supporting this industry, to improve its capacity”, he said.
