Hundreds of fisherfolk in Region Two yesterday received the Government’s one-off cash grant of $150,000 as the initiative was rolled out in the region.
The distribution exercise was spearheaded by Vice President, Bharrat Jagdeo, and Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha.
The one-off grant was announced months ago by President Irfaan Ali as government was looking at ways to cushion the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic. Speaking to hundreds of fisherfolk at the Rice Producers Association (RPA) bond at Anna Regina yesterday morning, Jagdeo urged fishermen to get enrolled in training programmes. He told them that due to climate change, there had been tremendous changes in the fishing industry and for them to become more marketable, they needed to upgrade their skills.
Jagdeo made it clear that he was not putting them out of the fishing business, but he advised that they should enrol in training programmes. He urged the younger fishermen to enrol in the Guyana Online Academy for Learning (GOAL) scholarship programme and pursue courses. He urged them to form a committee and take up classes. “You can’t rely alone on the fishing industry… think outside of the box and have more options… take up a skill… the oil and gas sector wants a lot of welders and skilled men,” Jagdeo said.
The fisherfolk expressed satisfaction with the grant, stating for the past years there has been a decline in the fishing industry. Many of them said they will be using the money to re-invest in the industry.
“We are thankful for this… I will use this money to buy fishing equipment and go out back in the sea… I want say thanks”, Saran Williams said. Another fisherman, Yogesh Mantops, from Bounty Hall said that he will be purchasing fishing equipment also with his money. A female fisherwoman, Bhagwantie Mantook said she is also happy for the grant.
Haresh Singh, owner of a fishing vessel, said that the industry continues to decline with low catches and called on the Government to continue to provide incentives.
