For 40 years, the waves of the Corentyne have carried both the struggles and triumphs of 54-year-old Dhalchan Haridiyal, a fisherman from Albion, Corentyne, Berbice.
What began as a school dropout’s attempt to make a living has grown into a lifelong journey of courage, hard work, and love for the sea. As a young boy, Haridiyal joined a sailing boat and quickly discovered freedom in the trade.
“And from then, the money-wise was a little more higher so I liked work. I don’t like bossman tell you what to do and what not to do. There is no bossman when you are working at sea—everybody is workmen together. When I sell the fish, I take out the expense and I burst the money with the workmen,” Haridiyal shared.
His day begins long before sunrise, often setting out by 3 am to catch the tide. But he admits the life of a fisherman has changed dramatically over the years. “Decline of catches of fishes due to the climate change… before time you does get a good amount of fish, but now you not getting the amount of fish. You have to work every day—long time, about four or five days, you making the money. Now you have to work every day.”
Like many in his trade, Haridiyal faces challenges ranging from damaged seines—sometimes caused by passing trawlers—to unpredictable weather patterns that keep fishermen on edge. “Time like this the water get too warm, you can’t get the catch in the day, mostly in the night you does get the catch cause the sun heat gets the water warm. If it cold, then the fish does come up… sometimes you have to go far out to catch,” he explained.
Still, through uncertainty, the father from Albion holds fast to the sea. Fishing, he says, has not only sustained him financially but also given him a sense of independence and pride.
Despite the decline in catches, harsh conditions, and the wait for promised government support, Haridiyal remains steadfast. It is a life of sacrifice and resilience, but one he carries with quiet contentment.
After nearly four decades, the fisherman of Albion continues to cast his nets with hope, trusting that the sea—despite its challenges—will always provide.
Men cleaning fish on the wharf
