Newly appointed Agriculture Minister Dr Leslie Ramsammy has assured fishers on the Essequibo Coast that security, fishing equipment and a boat license office will be available in Region Two.
Dr Ramsammy made the announcement at separate meetings with scores of fishermen from Charity Wharf and Lima.
Agriculture Minister Dr Leslie Ramsammy (centre at head table) speaks to a group of Region Two fishermen. At his left is Minister within the Agriculture Ministry, Ali Baksh
Fishermen after raising various issues related to pirvacy were contented with the assurance given by the minister. The minister said that privacy is a problem both locally and internationally, however in tackling and implementing measures, the Agriculture Ministry will ensure that the issue is addressed in a professional and “just” manner.
He said the Agriculture Ministry will be working closely with the Home Affairs Ministry and the Martine Department to address the issue.
“We want you to feel at ease when you’re at sea, we are here to implement as well as protect everyone that falls within our ministry.” The minister said preventative strategies will be implemented by the security forces to protect small fishers and trawler operators from pirates.
The fishermen told both Minister Ramsammy and Minister within the Agriculture Ministry, Ali Baksh that they are scared to enter the sea because of the presence of pirates.
They also stated that they are paying exorbitant fees for most fishing equipment and have requested a boat license office be established in the region.
“We have to pay lots of monies to go to Georgetown to have our boat license renewed and most of the fishing equipment that are available to us are double the cost than the price it is being sold for in the city,” one fisherman said.
In responding to the fishermen, Dr Ramsammy said that steps will be taken to procure equipment such as seine, balls and hooks so that all fishermen in the region will benefit.
He assured fishermen that the Agriculture Ministry and technical officers will be working in the best interest of fishermen, and advised that they worked collectively with the Fisheries Department to have their concerns addressed.
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