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CMC file photo.
GEORGETOWN, Guyana, CMC – The Guyana government says it will announce a series of support packages to members of the population including a GUY$150,000 (One Guyana dollar=US$0.004 cents) cash grant for each fisherman and the removal of taxes on key materials used in the sector.
“We’re going to give GUY$150,000 to every fisherfolk out there to help them as an incentive and subsidy from the government,” President Irfaan Ali said, adding his administration will soon announce a series of comprehensive measures for households and other vulnerable groups.
“I am going to announce, before the end of the year, a series of measures, not only looking at cash grant, but looking at the total empowerment of every Guyanese, whether you are someone living with a disability, the elderly, children, women, small businesses, farmers – every category,” he said.
Ali said that the initiative is part of his administration’s ongoing efforts to strengthen the fishing industry and improve livelihoods in coastal and riverine communities.
In addition to the direct cash support, fuel, seines, and other essential materials will now be tax-free, helping to reduce operational costs for fisherfolk.
This latest initiative builds on a series of government interventions in the fisheries sector. In 2022, over GUY$1.1 billion in grants was distributed to more than 7,500 fisherfolk across Guyana.
The government has also been upgrading landing and processing facilities, providing training, and promoting sustainable and climate-resilient fishing practices.
Ali said that to ensure everyone benefits, he is encouraging members of the population to open bank accounts, as this would allow for the smooth and efficient payment of grants.
Last year, the government distributed GUY$100,000 in cash grants to every adult Guyanese. That initiative complemented the GUY$50,000 Because We Care student grant, the GUY$100,000 NewBorn Grant and several other social support programmes implemented by the government.
