Agriculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha, on Friday reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to strengthening Guyana’s fisheries sector through continued investments in infrastructure as well as support programmes.
A release from the Ministry of Agriculture said that the Minister made the commitment while delivering the feature address at the National Fisherfolk Day 2026 celebration at Charity on the Essequibo Coast.
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 and supporting economic growth.
“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,” Mustapha said.
Underlining 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 said.
He said that more than $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 $2.189 billion in direct cash assistance. He noted that in both 2022 and 2026, fisherfolk each received a $150,000 cash grant to help offset rising input costs and strengthen their ability to remain productive.
The release said that 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 $72 million, the release contended.
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