Minister Mustapha vows to push for long-delayed Suriname licenses for Guyanese fisherfolk

For years, Guyanese fisherfolk have cast their nets with a measure of uncertainty, waiting on long-promised licenses from neighboring Suriname to secure their livelihoods.

On Saturday, Minister of Agriculture, Hon. Zulfikar Mustapha, reassured fiskerfolk that government remains committed to ensuring the long-delayed promise is finally delivered.

Speaking at the Albion Landing Site, the Minister reminded the gathering of the difficulties they face when operating across the border without proper authorization.

“You all know that some of you are sometimes fishing Suriname water and we have been having serious problems in terms of licenses for our fisher folks,” he said. “You know for a fact, a few years ago, the former government in Suriname made a commitment that they will license 150 Guyanese fisher folks but they reneged on that. I am hoping-our President who visited Suriname a few weeks back and I am very optimistic and hoping that the new government that is there, we can realize that commitment… so that you will fish hassle-free there.”

The agreement, signed in 2021, outlined that 150 Guyanese fisherfolk would be granted special licenses by Suriname starting in January 2022.

Those licenses would allow them to operate legally in the Corentyne River, strengthening their income security and easing long-standing tensions between the two fishing communities.

However, the commitment was never honored under the Chandrikapersad Santokhi-led coalition administration.

Minister Mustapha said he is hopeful that Suriname’s newly elected leader, Jennifer Geerlings-Simons, the first female president of the country, will address the issue and move quickly to fulfill the agreement.

“Our fisherfolk deserve the peace of mind to work without harassment and with the proper documentation. We will continue engaging at the highest level to ensure this becomes a reality,” he told them.