Gov’t moves to upgrade Windsor Forest landing site after fisherfolk raise concerns
The Windsor Forest fishing community along the West Coast Demerara is set to benefit from improved facilities, following an early morning engagement on Friday between Minister of Agriculture, Hon. Zulfikar Mustapha, and fisherfolk at the Windsor Forest Koker.
During the interaction, the minister acknowledged concerns raised about the condition of the existing landing site, noting that while work had previously been done, parts of the facility now require urgent attention.
“We did the landing site, but some of the work that was done, it seems that it needs to be overhauled now,” Minister Mustapha said, adding that government is considering the construction of a concrete landing site similar to the one built at Lenora.
He indicated that the upgrade would be pursued after the national budget, as part of broader efforts to enhance fishing infrastructure along the coast.
In addition to the landing site, the minister said roadside vendors operating nearby will also benefit from improved arrangements. He noted that discussions were already held with vendors and plans are in place to relocate their stalls onto the embankment in a more organised and visually appealing manner.
“We’ll relocate those vendors’ stalls on the embankment here. So we’ll make it in a more acceptable way, the aesthetic will be better,” he said.
Minister Mustapha also outlined that enhanced landing sites across the country are being equipped with essential facilities, including lighting, water supply and washroom amenities, to improve safety and working conditions for fisherfolk.
Emphasising the importance of the fishing sector, the minister said government remains committed to supporting fisherfolk, who play a critical role in national food security.
“These fisher folks, they are risking their life and ensuring that they bring cheap protein for the Guyanese people,” he said, noting that government has been working closely with the sector over the past four to five years and will continue to do so in the coming months.
The chairman of the Windsor Forest Fishermen’s Organisation was also present at the engagement and raised several issues affecting the community. Minister Mustapha assured that those concerns will be addressed as part of the ongoing support for fisherfolk in the area.
