Gov’t to reach fisherfolk who missed cash grant as mapping exercise launched

The government is moving to address concerns from some fisherfolk who reported not receiving the recently distributed $150,000 cash grant, with a mapping exercise underway to ensure all eligible beneficiaries are covered.

In an invited comment, Minister of Agriculture Zulfikar Mustapha said that while the substaantial part of the process have already been completed, authorities are now focusing on those who may have been overlooked.

“The substantial part would have finished. What we are doing is a mapping out because there are some people who said they didn’t receive,” Mustapha told the News Room.

He added that the Fisheries Department has been tasked to verify claims and correct any omissions.

“I advised the fisheries department with officers that they go and as long as these people are genuine fisherfolk and they were left out, they will address the concern,” Mustapha said.

The grant forms part of government’s efforts to strengthen the fishing industry and support livelihoods in coastal and riverine communities across Guyana.

Each registered fisherman was slated to receive $150,000 to help offset rising operational costs such as fuel, gear, and equipment maintenance.

According to Mustapha, just over 8,000 fishermen have already received the grant.