66 Fisherfolk receive government-promised seines at Albion Landing Site

In a long-awaited show of support for the local fishing community, 66 fisherfolk from Albion received government-provided seines on Saturday morning, fulfilling a commitment made by the administration earlier this year.

Each recipient was presented with seven bundles of fishing seines aimed at enhancing their operations and boosting income within the sector.

The distribution exercise, held at the Albion Landing Site, was led by Minister of Agriculture, Hon. Zulfikar Mustapha, who reaffirmed the government’s continued commitment to the country’s fisherfolk and the sustainability of the industry.

Minister Mustapha explained that the initiative stemmed from a previous engagement at the Albion Sports Complex, where fisherfolk had raised the need for nets.

He noted that the delivery represents the government’s effort to meet that request on behalf of President Dr. Irfaan Ali.

“The president asked me, that let us try as much as possible to help the fisher folks. And we have worked over time, and we have been in constant contact with your representative in this area here.

And I know a number of fisher folks from Albion and also Port Mourant will be receiving each this morning, seven bundles of seines each. Each one of you, 66 persons, will receive seven bundles of sand from the government of Guyana. That’s the commitment from your government, your president, the People’s Progressive Party. So, and this is not the end. We will continue. We will continue to work with you, because we want to ensure that this industry becomes a vibrant industry. We want to ensure that this fishing industry, as I said, we have been working very closely,” he stated.

The minister also underscored the broader benefits of the administration’s work across sectors.

“When we also deliver in the other sectors, the education sector, you benefit, your children benefit. When we improve and increase budgetary allocation in the housing, water, public infrastructure sector, the work sector, your children and you benefited from those inputs. So we will continue to work with you,” Mustapha added.

He further highlighted the government’s recent measures to ease the burdens on fisherfolk, including the removal of taxes on fishing inputs, increased horsepower allowances for engines, and duty-free concessions for outboard engines.

Several beneficiaries expressed deep appreciation for the government’s intervention.

Veeram Ramsarran said, “Well first of all, I would like to thank the government. They always keep their commitment… It will do a great deal for us and help our families get a better income.”

Ramsammy Subramanie noted the financial relief, saying, “It helps me out because if I had to buy it myself, it would’ve saved me a lot of money.”

Meanwhile, Kumar Bharrat pointed out that the seven bundles would have cost over $140,000 if purchased privately, and veteran fisherman Dhalchan Dibidyal shared, “I’m thankful and very grateful for it. It will assist me a lot in fishing because I will save a lot.”