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Chinese operators in talks with Agri Ministry over fishing opportunities
… Hope to submit proposal soon
By Zena Henry
Chinese operators continue to show great interest in the local economy as they now move toward the country’s
Agriculture Minister Leslie Ramsammy
lucrative fishing industry. Discussions commenced this week between officials of the Agriculture Ministry and representatives of interested Chinese fishermen, Minister Leslie Ramsammy told this newspaper on Wednesday.
There has so far been no specific proposal, according to the Minister. The foreigners are currently seeking clarification on various aspects of the country’s fishing sector, including local legislation.
“They (Chinese) are seeking clarifications on our laws… we (Ministry) are seeking more information about their interest.”
The last time the Chinese fishing matter came up; members of the local industry had expressed grave concern over those operators entering the sector. President of the Guyana Association of Trawler Owners and Seafood Processors (GATOSP) Leslie Ramalho at that time, had dispatched a missive to the Minister seeking clarity on alleged reports that several fishing licences were slated for Chinese fishing activities.
When Kaieteur News spoke with Ramalho yesterday, he stated that to date there has been no update on the issue of Chinese operations locally, and he trusts that all remains the same, since the agency was promised by the Agriculture Ministry that any developments in the sector would be related to concerned stakeholders.
“I have had no further updates,” Ramalho said. “However, we have a commitment from the Minister that if ever a proposal is submitted by the Chinese it would be discussed with the relevant stakeholders – that is both industrial and artisanal – before any decision is made. As I have had no reason to doubt the Minister’s word in the past, I do not believe any decision has been made.”
Ramalho explained that he has no reason to believe that decisions that will directly affect the livelihood of local operators would be made without the expressions of concern from local parties.
Local fishermen were initially concerned about purported additions to the fishing industry.
“That would be very unwise, as it would no doubt lead to widespread objections from the fishing industry, since what might have been agreed to could have serious implications to the livelihood of the stakeholders and workers in the industry.”
Last year, the GATOSP had expressed unease when allegations surfaced that some 40 fishing licences were being granted to Chinese nationals. The Agriculture Ministry had however, clarified the matter stating that no licences had been granted.
Local fishermen were more concerned about the purported additions to the fishing industry since they claimed that they were being asked to reduce their operations because of depleted resources. They also expressed that the Chinese usually operate with upscale equipment and locals might be no competition for their operations.
The fishermen had requested information on the number of vessels, the type of fishing, the area to be fished, and the type of gear that the Chinese intend to use locally.
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