Piracy singled out as biggest threat as fisherfolk body launched

Oct 27, 2015 News

Piracy has been identified as one of the main challenges affecting the development of the fishing industry in Guyana, with Government adopting an inter-agency approach to address this issue.

Agri Minister, Noel Holder, at the launching of the Guyana National Fisherfolk Organisation (NFO) yesterday.

This was announced yesterday by Minister of Agriculture, Noel Holder, as he addressed fishermen and others at the launch of the Guyana National Fisherfolk Organisation (NFO).
“Dealing with piracy is a priority of our Government. An inter-agency approach to dealing with this problem is being taken to attain the desired results. We are aware of the dangers fisherfolk face on a daily basis, and are committed to protecting you and will work diligently to ensure we make your working environment a safer place.”
The launch, which took place at the Arthur Chung International Conference Centre, attracted stakeholders and fisherfolk, as well as officials from the Department of Fisheries at the Ministry of Agriculture.
According to Holder, the establishment of the NFO is a step in the right direction as it is hoped that with the formation of the organization, the artisanal sub-sector will take a great step forward in developing an organised and more efficient fisheries industry in Guyana.
“I am hopeful that at the end of today, everyone would be more cognisant of their role in the local fisheries industry. I am extremely pleased about this launch today. It is known that there exists strength in numbers and having a National Fisherfolk Organisation will greatly facilitate fisherfolk by ensuring that your voices can be heard collectively, that you will be able to negotiate and obtain concessions by active participation as a group,” he said.
This is an essential step, Minister Holder noted, since the fishing industry is contracting and there is an urgent need for a collective approach to address some of the issues, to find solutions and save the industry.
“Your organisation will pay a pivotal role in facilitating stakeholders to participate in the governance of your sub-sector, in getting the local issues and challenges to the national platform and together with the Fisheries (Department) of the Ministry of Agriculture, we will build your capacity to achieve the long and medium- term goals envisaged,” Minister Holder stated.
Fishing contribution to the economy last year declined by 26.7 percent, in the face of challenges.