Min Mustapha Engages Corentyne Communities in Transformative Outreach
Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha, conducted a series of community engagements and developmental outreach activities across the Corentyne Coast and East Berbice last Saturday, reaffirming the government’s commitment to strengthening agriculture, fisheries, and livelihoods in the region.
$32M Fisherfolk Facility Commissioned at No. 79 Village
At Number 79 Village, Minister Mustapha officially commissioned the Upper Corentyne Fisherman Cooperative Society’s new Administrative Building. The $32 million facility, which replaces an aging structure, was constructed following a commitment by Vice President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo. It is expected to benefit approximately 200 fisherfolk, serving as a hub for administrative services, training, and other support activities for the fishing community.
In his remarks, Minister Mustapha highlighted the government’s ongoing engagement with Surinamese authorities to secure fishing licenses for Guyanese fisherfolk operating along the Corentyne Coast. He also emphasized the importance of improving infrastructure and ensuring sustainability in the fisheries sector.
Community Meetings with Fisherfolk: Enhancing Security and Diversification
Minister Mustapha also held separate meetings with fisherfolk from Albion and the Sheet Anchor/Fort Ordinance areas. During these sessions, he announced that the government had increased its budgetary allocation to improve infrastructure in fishing communities nationwide. As part of security enhancements, the Ministry of Agriculture is investing in tracking devices and advanced technologies to better monitor fishing vessels and reduce the risk of piracy.
At Sheet Anchor, Minister Mustapha revealed plans to develop brackish water shrimp ponds in partnership with local fisherfolk. This diversification effort, expected to begin next month, will provide new income streams for around 80 fisherfolk in the region.
Empowering Lives: Sheet Anchor Woman Receives New Home
Continuing his outreach, Minister Mustapha handed over a newly constructed home to Pearl Reynolds, a single mother of seven, through President Irfaan Ali’s Men on a Mission (MoM) initiative. Reynolds, who previously lived in a makeshift zinc structure at Lot 65 Sheet Anchor, expressed heartfelt gratitude for her new home, where she will now live comfortably with her two youngest children.
The house was made possible by the collaborative efforts of contractors Aubrey David (Quality Deliverers), Ameir Adams (A Adams Enterprise), and Julius DeNobrega (Devon Engineering Services). In a further gesture of support, businessman Ray Jahoor of Ashiek and Sons presented the family with a laptop and printer for the children’s education.
Berbice Welcomes First Authentic Indian Restaurant
In a celebratory event that reflects growing investor confidence in the region, Minister Mustapha joined India’s High Commissioner to Guyana, Dr. Amit Telang, for the grand opening of Aarna Restaurant in Canje, Berbice. Aarna, the first authentic Indian restaurant in the area, offers a full vegetarian menu and currently employs around 20 people.
Minister Mustapha hailed the establishment as a reflection of confidence in Guyana’s thriving economy and a symbol of the region’s growing cultural and economic diversity. Aarna provides dine-in, takeout, and delivery services across East Berbice and the Corentyne Coast.
