The Agriculture Minister said security is a major concern at the Meadow Bank jetty
– fishermen, business owners also appealed for water, wharf repairs, improved catch prices
Minister Mustapha, left, engages with fishmongers. (
Kaieteur News – (DPI) Fishermen, fishmongers and business owners operating from the Meadow Bank jetty, in Georgetown, are calling for better security measures to be put in place at the facility. This was the main concern raised by people counting their trade at the wharf, on Tuesday morning, when the Minister of Agriculture, Hon. Zulfikar Mustapha visited the facility to check the operations there.
During the visit, several fishermen and business owners told the Minister that they were affected by several issues, the biggest of which is the lack of proper protection. Mr. Krishna Jettoo, Managing Director of Del Ice Co, said improved management systems needed to be put in place at the jetty.
“Safety is our biggest issue. Secondly, the jetty is falling apart and everyone is doing as they choose. No one acts according to rules and regulations. There is no control here. We had a meeting last week, about the same issue. I’m the only one actually spending money to repair the jetty. Nobody pays anything and it has become free for everyone. It doesn’t work that way. They come up with maritime fee issues for boats, but nobody pays anything because the Co-op doesn’t operate, ”he said.
Redman (the only given name), a fisherman, said he was the main breadwinner of his family and needed better prices for catching fishermen. He also spoke of a lack of proper security at the jetty.
“Here’s my livelihood. I’m a father of four. I had a lotta family and friends working here. When the fishermen go to sea, working so hard, bring lil fish in, we get next to nothing for the fish. When ya sell the fish now, sometimes you just have to be careful. The security system is bad. People come and rob ya. We need a camera system so ya could pick up something. Very secure system. We need a better price and some fishing. This area where we repair the nets. The roof leaks, it’s best to fix it in the sun, ”he said.
Mr Ravin Singh, a fishmonger, also spoke about the lack of water at the facility.
“For years now, we have had no water on the jetty to do anything right. They come round and collect $ 500 a day. We pay. I’m also selling out here and the same issue as the theft and the thing, ”said Mr Singh.
Ms Renita Joseph, who operates a seafood retail outlet at the jetty, said a capable body was needed to address the issues facing those operating at the jetty.
“We need an active Co-op. We need a body to handle our affairs. We only see it when there is a meeting so I ask. I spoke to him and he asked me to give him two weeks. That was last year. We want a capable body so they can investigate all the problems because we can list them. Everyone can come and list their problems and if we have that body they can look into things like safety, all aspects of it. We have a police presence here, but … we can’t even call the police because we don’t know who to trust, ”he said.
The Chairman of the Greater Georgetown Fishermen’s Co-op, Mr Mohamed Khan, said that although there was a police presence at the jetty, allegations of police collusion with thieves are rife. As regards the facility not providing water, Mr Khan said this was mainly because he does not have access to his own water source. He explained that in the past water was supplied through a private well, but after the owner sold his business, that convenience ceased.
Ms Lydia Basdeo, another fishmonger, who operates from the jetty, said the fishermen and the Co-op need to work together to maintain order at the facility.
“Security here is two-way. People say Mr Khan is not doing his duty, but neither the fishermen nor boat owners are doing their duty either. They were supposed to be paying to use the jetty. Nothing of that sort happens here and everyone does as they please. Even the people who clean the fish; if you go and tell them ‘if you clean the fish and throw the gut there, worms are going to come up’ they abuse you. It’s reaching a stage where you can’t say anything here, ”he said.
After listening to the concerns, Minister Mustapha said that the services provided at the facility needed to be improved and that he would seek some repairs at the jetty.
“Before we collect money from anyone, we have to provide a service, so we will try to see what we can do at our level. The biggest burning issues, based on what was said, are safety, building condition and water. I cannot make a full commitment that we will do all repairs at once, but I will review our work program and see what can be done. I have also instructed the Chief Fisheries Officer to meet with the Co-op and the fishermen to see how soon we can deal with all these issues. I will try to see what renovation work we can do to this building. These repairs cost a lot of money and the National Budget has only recently been read, so I will see from my Ministry what resources we will have to try to improve the structure. We also need to look at the cost of maintaining this building. It must be cost effective. If the services are provided, then we must ensure that the beneficiaries pay a small fee to maintain these services, but first we must get the facility back in order. “
Minister Mustapha also said that due to the COVID-19 pandemic, exports to some countries have been suspended, which has led to a huge influx of fish and other seafood items on the market. This, he said, has in turn influenced fish prices. However, with export markets slowly reopening, anglers can expect better prices for their catch as the year progresses.
Minister Mustapha also assured the fishermen and business owners that he would engage with his Ministerial colleagues responsible for safety and water, the Honorable Robeson Benn and the Honorable Collin Croal respectively, to have systems in place to improve safety and water provision at the facility.
The Minister of Agriculture also said that his Ministry will work with the fishermen and the Co-op to solve all other challenges that exist. Furthermore, a committee would be set up, led by the Chief Fisheries Officer and comprising representatives of the Co-op and the fishermen, to resolve issues that may arise in the future.