Following a visit to the Three-door Sluice, D’ Edward Village, West Coast Berbice, President Irfaan Ali yesterday vowed to address the woes of fishermen such as the dire need for a shed to mend fish gear.
Many farmers deplored the lack of this shed and requested that the President see what can be done to address the situation.
Other farmers also cited the need to expand the current wharf in the Region.
Several villagers requested the installation of lights to enhance safety during fishing activities in the wee hours and nights; they also requested a tarmac to be built at the waterfront.
In response, President Ali ordered his support staff to compile a list of all the concerns and requests made by the fishermen and women so that they could be addressed swiftly.
Ali instructed other officials to work along with the residents of D’ Edward to compile the estimate and design for the shed and promised to engage the Ministry of Agriculture to address the issue of the wharf.
“You’ll work with them to [get] the estimate and design for this shed [by tonight] … and we can get the Ministry of Agriculture to look at the wharf issue,” he said.
The Head of State also instructed the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI) and its representatives to meet with farmers in the area and distribute seedlings to help them get back to farming.
He also told those present that his administration has made significant strides in addressing previous concerns and requests. The fishing community also benefitted from significant investments to improve their surroundings.
“We want to continue to see how we can support you and deal with some of the new challenges,” President Ali affirmed.
The Head of State also emphasized 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 assured the fishermen and women.
