Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha during the outreach. (Photo: DPI)
In addition to the issues which are being addressed, President Ali instructed the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI) to provide further support to the fisherfolk.
Subsequently, NAREI provided seeds, fertilizer, small shade houses, and other inputs to the fisherfolk in the area.
Among other issues raised during Saturday’s engagement were outstanding payments from some fishermen to the cooperative society.
These and other concerns will be addressed by the Chief Fisheries Officer, Denzil Roberts, in a meeting scheduled for next Tuesday.
Over the years, the Fishermen Cooperative Society have benefitted from significant development initiatives aimed at enhancing the working conditions of fisherfolk.
Minister Mustapha underscored the importance of these investments, stating “We have done several works here, and [while] these are new works which will cost millions of dollars…we will continue to make that kind of investment because the fishing industry contributes a major source of proteins for the Guyanese people.”
Minister Mustapha further urged the fisherfolk to work along with the new management committee of the Tree Door Fishermen Co-op.
He reiterated the pivotal role played by the fisheries sector in Guyana’s economy, noting its current stage of significant transformation driven by large investments.
The minister was joined by Chief Fisheries Officer, Denzil Roberts, Regional Chairman of Region Five, Vickchand Ramphal, Chairman of the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA), Lionel Wordsworth and other technical officers.