GEORGETOWN, Guyana, Monday February 27, 2012 – Guyana’s fishing industry is paving the way for that country to achieve its Millennium Development Goals of feeding its people at international standards.
Agriculture minister, Dr. Leslie Ramsammy said the country’s fishing industry was growing at a rapid rate, and described it as an important component in the country’s development.
He noted that as it related to food security, the fishing industry provided a cheap source of animal protein in the Guyanese diet, and allowed for the creation of jobs in the local market, providing over 15,000 jobs.
Dr. Ramsammy said the fishing industry also provided significant foreign exchange earnings, representing just under three per cent of the gross domestic product, and exports valued at GY$10 billion over the last three years.
He further noted that the country was able to buffer against food shortages, with the food index increasing within normal rates.
The minister said the per capital fish supplied in Guyana exceeded 58 kilogrammes compared with the global average of 17 kilogrammes
