President Dr Irfaan Ali has assured Guyana’s fisherfolk that the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) government will continue to invest heavily in their livelihoods, providing both immediate relief and long-term opportunities for growth.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony of the No. 75 Village Regional Hospital in East Berbice-Corentyne on Thursday, President Ali emphasised that fisherfolk are an essential part of the economy and will be given the same dignity and support as other sectors.
“I want our fisherfolk to know that we have listened to them, we have heard them, and they deserve a life of dignity. Just like every other sector, our fisherfolk must be supported—and they will be supported in many different ways,” the President declared.
President Irfaan Ali said the PPP/C government will deliver wide-ranging support to fisherfolk, including access to modern technology and training, continued fuel relief, better landing and processing facilities, and assistance to reinvest in boats and equipment.
“Continuing to support them with subsidised fuel through the zero tax on fuel that we have right now. Building out their landing facilities, helping them to reinvest in their boats, to reinvest in capital to help them to advance in the type of boats they have, so they can go to better grounds.”
He also committed to diversifying their income through aquaculture and shrimp farming, strengthening safety and security, expanding market opportunities, and creating a climate-resilient fund to protect their livelihoods.
“The government, co-investing with them and working out a mechanism through the Low Carbon Development Strategy, where they can be supported in a climate resilient fund that would help them against climate realities that they are faced with,” the head of state said.
Importantly, the measures will benefit not only boat owners but also workers and vendors in the fishing industry.
President Ali stressed that the government’s approach goes beyond boat owners.
“I am talking here about our workers and the vendors who sell the fish. They also will find direct support from our government as we seek to build a strong, secure, stable, and prosperous future for all our people,” he affirmed.
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