Guyana, Suriname working to address piracy at sea

Some 66 fisherfolk from Albion, and Port Mourant, Corentyne Berbice received seine nets on Saturday to assist with their operations at sea.

This intervention follows a commitment made by President Dr. Irfaan Ali during a meeting with fisherfolk a few months ago.

Agriculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha while handing over the items, recalled, “When we met with fisherfolk at the Albion Sports Complex, they said they needed help with nets. We’ve been in constant contact with your representative here, and today, fisherfolk from Albion, and some from Port Mourant, will each receive seven bundles of seine from the government, your government,” he said.

This intervention represents an investment of just over $14 million.

Mustapha also assured the fisherfolk that, over time, they will continue to benefit from additional interventions, as the government increases budgetary allocations to the sector. He noted that a number of other initiatives have already been implemented to support fisherfolk since the government took office in 2020.

“We have been increasing budgetary allocations to the sector every year. We’ve been resuscitating all the fisherfolk organizations. We’ve been procuring GPS systems so that fishermen can track their boats while at sea. We’ve also been working with partners both around the country and in neighboring countries to ease piracy. I know that the Guyana Police Force has been working diligently to address that. We’ve also removed the taxes placed on fishing inputs and made adjustments to the tax structure, making outboard engines of 1,500 horsepower and under duty-free,” he explained.