Gvt Engages Essequibo Fisherfolk on Infrastructure, Pricing Challenges

April 17 2024 — Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha recently met with fisherfolk from the Essequibo Coast to address a number of challenges affecting their livelihoods.

The engagement followed a commitment by Vice President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, who had assured the fisherfolk that the Minister would soon meet with them to find practical solutions.

During the meeting, one of the key concerns raised was the inconsistency in ice prices across various facilities. Fisherfolk highlighted the impact of fluctuating costs on their operations.

In response, Minister Mustapha emphasized the importance of standardizing prices across all facilities to ensure fairness and sustainability in the sector.

Attention was also given to infrastructure concerns at the Devonshire Castle landing site. The Minister informed attendees that an engineer is currently preparing estimates for the construction of a new shed and washroom facilities at the location.

Minister Mustapha further noted that President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali has instructed the rehabilitation and upgrading of all major landing sites and wharfs across the country. Under the ongoing Landing Site Enhancement Programme, the Ministry of Agriculture has already constructed washroom facilities, ramps, and sheds, and has installed lighting and water systems at several sites.

The visit formed part of the government’s broader efforts to support the fisheries sector and improve working conditions for fisherfolk nationwide.