Dr. Jagdeo promises Berbice fisherfolk $150,000 relief grants by July

$150,000 relief grants are expected to be given by July to Fisherfolk from across East Berbice – Corentyne ( Region Six).

Vice President, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, madethe announcement when he held a meeting with fishermen Thursday evening, at the Classic International Hotel, Corentyne. It was revealed that President, Irfaan Ali on May 31, had announced a $150,000 one-off relief grant for fisherfolk across the country. Ali had announced this during a meeting with fishermen from Windsor Forest and other surrounding villages in Essequibo Islands-West Demerara (Region Three).

VP Jagdeo told the fisherfolk in Berbice that the aim is to utilise the month of June to thoroughly verify the names and the number of fisherfolk who reside in the county, thus ensuring that the rightful recipients benefit from the support.

As such, the VP requested guidance from the fishermen, who he believes could provide assistance in this regard. He explained that the strategic step will help the process to run smoothly.

Meanwhile, Dr. Jagdeo pointed out that the administration continues to work tirelessly, ensuing that Guyanese fisherfolk plying their trade in Suriname’s waters, receive their official licences.

The Vice President stressed that the matter remains a priority of the government. However, Dr. Jagdeo reieterated that from all the efforts being made at the highest level, there is little progress.

The former president noted that the matter has even reached the Surinamese parliament but there has been no favourable response thus far.

“We were hoping that they come at the Agri-Investment Forum and Expo, but that did not happen,” Dr. Jagdeo said. The Vice President added that the Government has made it clear that it will not relent on its promise to address the fishing licences matter with the Surinamese authority.