Berbice : Fishermen should enjoy subsidies and more direct input from the government to help ease the pressure of a tough and risky way of life, newly-elected Number 66 Fishermen’s Co-op Society Chairman Pravinchandra Deodat said.
Deodat said he is disappointed over the treatment meted out to fishermen and called for respect and more government support. He noted that one of the areas government could make a direct transformation is offering fishers a subsidy in the area of electricity consumption. This would be a fitting subsidy in light of the daily risk of piracy where fishers stand to lose equipment and even their boats when attacked. Such an initiative, he said would make it easier for the victims of piracy to get back on their feet. Additionally, it would encourage all fishers to become legal and register their licences and operate within the confines of the law.
Deodat also noted that there must be a meaningful and structured education programme for fishers on sustaining resources at sea, adapting environmentally-friendly practices and acceptable sanitation and hygiene standards. He also lamented the difficulty fishermen experience when attempts are made to explore other areas of entrepreneurial enterprise. Deodat explained that when piracy emerges and strangle the fishing industry, fishers could have another avenue of generating money. He stated that if not individually, concession could be granted to the Upper Corentyne body allowing for a massive inland aquaculture farm which the thousands depending on the industry could tap into.
He argues that the time has come for fishers to invest in other areas to ensure a more secure and stable livelihood. As it is today, there are more than 10,000 persons depending directly on the fishing industry in the Upper Corentyne. Deodat, who also sits as the head of the Berbice Anti- Piracy Committee, had served as chairman of the co-op between 2005 to 2009.
“I’m disappointed that the fishing industry in Region Six is not attracting support to make life easier… Region Six is neglected, and I’m craving help to upgrade the standard of this operation from anyone willing to help.”
Deodat also spoke about corruption, in the fishing industry, saying that his organisation will adopt a zero-tolerance approach to get rid of “fishy business”. He said too that members of the society are expected to band together to help transform the fishing sector in the Upper Corentyne. Currently, several measures have been put in place to restructure the operation of the co-op and maximise output. Several committees have been set up to oversee key departments of the facility.
The various committees are to look into areas such as providing ice machines and generators; compound and building maintenance; wharf and boat operation; canteen operation; staffing and office administration; and security and purchasing.
Some of the members of the executive are: Thakur Persaud Gopaul (vice chairman); Pameshwar Jainarine (treasurer); Bhawase Harripaul (secretary); and Yuri Motee (manager/accountant). Currently, the Upper Corentyne body has a 78 active members listed, and the co-op which operates seven days per week, produces approximately 50 tonnes of fish weekly. A significant amount of the catch that comes in at the co-op is bought by local exporters.
Some 75 per cent of grey snapper caught is exported, along with 85 per cent of sea trout; six per cent gillbacker; 50 per cent silver snapper; 80 per cent shark and 80 per cent banga mary and butter fish. A significant amount of fish glue is also exported from the Number 66 Co-op.
