Berbice fisherfolk applaud President Ali’s $150,000 subsidy

Fisherfolk in Region Six are expressing strong appreciation for President Irfaan Ali’s recent $150,000 subsidy for each fisherfolk. This is part of an effort to better support these workers.

Sherilyn Bhagwandin, 36, from Alness, who recently lost her boat to arson, expressed her gratitude for the initiative.

“I am glad. We were expecting something. I think it will come in good use. We can take it and buy something to go out and do our trade. I am happy about it,” she said.

Chairman of the Albion Fisherfolk Landing Site, Veeram Ramsarran, echoed similar sentiments.

“On behalf of the fishermen of Albion, I would like to thank the President for keeping his commitment in promising us the seines, and he delivered.

“…it will help us buy equipment to do our work daily. It will help with the cost of living. It will help in a big way,” Ramsarran said.

According to the recently released mid-year report, the agriculture, fishing, and forestry sector is estimated to have grown by 9% in the first half of 2025. In that report, which was prepared by the Ministry of Finance, it was noted that further investments and support would go into these sectors.