PM promises an end to fish and shrimp smuggling

Mar 15, 2017 News

…aims to stop illegal importation with Suriname

The fish and shrimp vendors, who, over the past few weeks made their concerns public by picketing the Berbice Office of the Prime Minister, have attracted the attention of the Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo.

The farmers and vendors of fish and shrimp and some of the boats.

Nagamootoo visited the Ancient County over the weekend and met with the farmers and vendors of fish and shrimp. He assured them that he will be visiting again with the Agriculture Minister.
At the meeting much emphasis was placed on border patrols to stop the illegal importation of fish, shrimp and crabs. He stated that it is the government’s main interest to provide protection for fishermen and also keep a watchful eye on what is being imported.
“We are looking to protect fishermen; we are looking at National Security,” Nagamootoo told the fisherfolk.
He stressed that based on the report by Gobin Harbhajan, his regional representative, there have been illegal importation along the coast but he assured that if it is indeed an activity being executed then there will be interception by authorities.
“They will be monitoring the coast for all illegal landing. When you are caught smuggling shrimp, crabs and fish via backtrack it will carry a high fine and confiscation of boats and engine. There could also be imprisonment”, the PM disclosed.
According to Nagamootoo with Suriname being a CARICOM country it doesn’t necessarily give the smugglers a free pass to do as they please.
“If they want to bring commodities into Guyana they must observe the rules.” He also told the fisherfolk gathered at the meeting that Minister of Agriculture, Noel Holder, had informed him that the shrimp will be allowed into Guyana from Suriname but the shrimp must be subjected to standards.
“Food and Drugs have to test the shrimp to make sure it is for human consumption. Everyone bringing it must produce a license to deal with shrimp and fish; the product must be tested,” he reiterated.
The Prime Minister assured the vendors and farmers, “You are not to be blamed; you are selling and you are making a profit. A lot of people want the shrimp and so the farmers will have to produce to meet the demands.”
Nagamootoo told the vendors and farmers that a solution cannot be provided. He said that he will be working closely with the Ministry of Agriculture and the Guyana Revenue Authority to deal with the matter.
The fisherfolk were all pleased with the Prime Minister’s visit and also expressed optimism that a solution will be crafted as soon as possible.