Agriculture Minister, Hon. Zulfikar Mustapha, on Friday reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to strengthening Guyana’s fisheries sector through continued investments in infrastructure, safety, and aquaculture, as well as support programmes aimed at improving the livelihoods of fisherfolk across the country.
The Minister made the commitment while delivering the feature address at the National Fisherfolk Day 2026 celebration at Charity on the Essequibo Coast, where he joined fisherfolk, industry stakeholders, and residents in observing the annual event under the theme, “Celebrating and Empowering Fishers’ Contribution to Food Safety and Security.”
During his address, Minister Mustapha paid tribute to the country’s fisherfolk, noting that their contributions extend far beyond providing seafood, as they also play a critical role in strengthening livelihoods, supporting economic growth, and advancing Guyana’s food security agenda.
“This day provides us with an important opportunity to recognize the invaluable contribution of our fisherfolk. Region Two stands proudly as one of Guyana’s most vibrant fishing regions. From Charity to Hampton Court, from Lima to Cullen, from the Pomeroon to the Essequibo Coast, the work of our fisherfolk feeds thousands, supports livelihoods, generates valuable export earnings, and supports Guyana’s food security agenda, including CARICOM’s 25 by 2025 +5 initiative,” Minister Mustapha said.
Highlighting Region Two’s significance to the industry, the Minister noted that 246 fishing vessels and approximately 1,050 fisherfolk operate daily across the region’s landing sites.
“These numbers are not just statistics; they represent families, traditions, and generations of knowledge passed down. Every day, our fisherfolk brave challenging conditions at sea and inland waterways to provide for their families and contribute meaningfully to national development. Their efforts deserve our highest recognition and unwavering support,” he added.
Minister Mustapha said that since assuming office in 2020, the PPP/C Government has placed significant emphasis on revitalizing and modernizing the fisheries sector as part of its broader agenda for sustainable agricultural development. He explained that investments have focused on improving fisheries infrastructure, rehabilitating landing sites, strengthening safety systems, expanding aquaculture, and creating greater opportunities for fisherfolk throughout the country.
He disclosed that more than G$263 million has been invested in fisheries-related projects in Region Two over the last five years, while nationwide, 14,596 fisherfolk, including 705 from Region Two, have benefited from G$2.189 billion in direct cash assistance. He noted that in both 2022 and 2026, fisherfolk each received a G$150,000 cash grant to help offset rising input costs and strengthen their ability to remain productive.
The Minister also highlighted the government’s continued expansion of aquaculture, noting that 46 freshwater cage aquaculture systems have been established across Regions Four, Five, Six, Seven, Nine and Ten, including four Indigenous communities in Region Two—Capoey, Mashabo, Lake Mainstay, and Bethany. The initiative has benefited more than 2,200 residents through investments exceeding G$72 million.
Minister Mustapha further outlined the Government’s substantial investments in fisheries infrastructure, noting that more than G$1.518 billion has been allocated towards the rehabilitation and construction of landing sites, wharves, and cold storage facilities nationwide.
He also pointed to a number of initiatives being implemented to modernize the industry, including the installation of vessel monitoring systems to enhance safety at sea, the removal of duties on outboard engines of up to 150 horsepower, the zero-rating of taxes on key fishing inputs, the establishment of digital fisherfolk and vessel registries, the expansion of brackish-water shrimp production, and investments in local aquaculture feed production through the construction of the Mon Repos Feed Mill. Additional investments are also being made to upgrade aquaculture facilities, including the Anna Regina Aquaculture Station, while new fingerling and grow-out facilities are being developed in Regions Seven and Nine.
National Fisherfolk Day is observed annually to recognize the invaluable contributions of Guyana’s fisherfolk to food production, economic development, and the sustainable management of the country’s fisheries resources.
