Guyana, China ink fisheries pact
The Ministry of Agriculture and the Chinese Embassy in Guyana on Friday signed an agreement for the advancement of the fisheries sector which will see Beijing providing training.
A release from the Ministry of Agriculture said that as part of the agreement, the Chinese Government will be aiding Guyana in the training of its technical officers and the completion of a feasibility study which will help to guide aquaculture production.
The release said that the team which will be visiting the Satyadeow Sawh Aquaculture Station at Mon Repos and fish farmers in Regions 2,3, 5 and 6, will also be working with technical officers in the Fisheries Department.
A Partnership Agreement was also signed by Permanent Secretary (ag), Ministry of Agriculture, Joylyn Nester-Borrowes and Counselor, Economic and Commercial Officer, Chinese Embassy, Shen Huiyong, the release said. The Agreement among other things will enable a training exercise for technical officers and fish operators in September 2017.
Agriculture Minister Noel Holder, in welcoming the delegation underlined the importance of aquaculture to Guyana, adding that government remains committed to facilitating the development of the local aquaculture sector.
The release said that the Fisheries department this year will be working directly with farmers to pioneer new technologies and boost productivity through the improvement of fingerlings and building ties with new markets and buyers for the sector.
In 2016, the Satyadeow Sawh Aquaculture Station produced 114,705 fingerlings as compared to 77,694 produced in 2015.
The release said that collaboration between the Chinese and Guyana governments was lauded by the Permanent Secretary (ag).
The Fisheries Department according to Nestor-Borrowes this year will also be expanding its operations in the hinterland as focus is placed on the development of inland fisheries and aquaculture in Regions 1, 7, 8, 9 and 10.
“Among the key highlights, the programme will see the implementation of the Arapaima Management Plan and the active involvement of stakeholders in the Aquaculture and sports fishing,” the Permanent Secretary (ag) said.
The Minister was also accompanied by Chief Fisheries Officer (ag), Ingrid Peters.