Fisheries cooperatives connect with buyers and banks

Participants at the one-day workshop

Efforts to reduce gaps in Guyana’s seafood value chain and support more stable, profitable business relationships were the focus of a one-day workshop held on Monday.
The event, titled “Strengthening Guyana’s Agribusiness: From Fisheries Cooperatives to Seafood Markets,” was organised by the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO), the International Labour Organization (ILO), and the International Trade Centre (ITC), in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture and the Ministry of Labour.
The workshop brought together fisheries cooperatives, seafood and agrifood businesses, banks, business support organisations, and policymakers to improve connections between cooperatives, buyers, markets, and sources of finance.
Minister of Labour and Manpower Planning, Keoma Griffith, in his keynote address said: “The forum is timely as it ensures that Guyana’s fisherfolk are fully part of the country’s ongoing development and transformation.” He noted that the government supports partnerships between international organisations, cooperatives, and the private sector to build resilient agricultural and fisheries systems that can drive inclusive economic growth in Guyana and across the Caribbean.
Chief Fisheries Officer Denzel Roberts of the Ministry of Agriculture echoed Griffith’s sentiments, emphasising that the workshop would help cooperatives link with financial institutions and access new markets in line with government objectives.
Business stakeholders, including national banks, regional partners, and the Georgetown Chambers of Commerce and Industry, participated to facilitate practical partnerships. Over time, these collaborations are expected to help cooperatives invest in better equipment, improve product quality, and expand production, increasing incomes and securing jobs in fishing and related industries.
Fisher Rory Osborne from Wakenaam said, “This event opened my eyes to all the things required to run a coop and was great for networking with new people.” Victor Mangru from Region Three added, “The event is great because I’ve been able to meet people like business incubators, supermarkets, and banks, which can help my business grow.”
The workshop included discussions on strengthening relationships between suppliers and buyers, improving productivity and quality, and adopting responsible business practices. Special focus was given to cooperatives, small-scale producers, and micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) to ensure growth benefits a wider range of people.
Labour standards and decent work were also highlighted. Encouraging fair labour practices aims to link market growth with safer working conditions, skills development, and more stable employment for Guyanese workers.
The event allowed representatives from the Ministry of Labour and the Ministry of Agriculture to engage directly with private-sector actors to ensure new partnerships support national priorities, including sustainability, inclusive growth, and decent employment.