Fisherfolk to receive $150,000 cash grant, tax relief on key materials

Fisherfolk across Guyana will receive a $150,000 cash grant each, along with tax relief on fuel, seines, and other essential materials, President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali announced on Wednesday.

“We’re going to give $150,000 to every fisherfolk out there to help them as an incentive and subsidy from the government,” Ali said during an interview.

The initiative is part of the administration’s ongoing efforts to strengthen the fishing industry and improve livelihoods in coastal and riverine communities.

This measure builds on previous government interventions, including the distribution of over $1.1 billion in grants to more than 7,500 fisherfolk in 2022. The government has also been upgrading landing and processing facilities, providing training, and promoting sustainable and climate-resilient fishing practices.

According to the 2025 Mid-Year Report prepared by the Ministry of Finance, the agriculture, fishing, and forestry sector grew by nine per cent in the first half of the year, with further investments and incentives planned for these key areas of the economy.