Othello s. Nimely
Monrovia-Fishermen in West Point, Montserrado County, have called on the government to provide them with greater support and protection, arguing that despite paying taxes, they receive little or no direct benefit from the government.
The fishermen made the complaint in an interview with our reporter on Monday, saying the taxes and other fees they are required to pay remain high, while basic support and materials needed to safely carry out their work are unavailable.
Lawrence Gbah, a fisherman who said he has spent more than 15 years in the fishing industry, said the government has failed over the years to regularly provide life jackets and other protective equipment to fishermen operating at sea.
According to Gbah, the last time fishermen in West Point received life jackets from the government was during the administration of former President George Weah.
He said the lack of protective equipment is putting the lives of fishermen at risk, particularly those who spend long hours at sea under dangerous conditions.
Gbah also said fishermen in West Point have received fishing-net supplies from the government only once under the administration of President Joseph Nyuma Boakai.
However, he described the nets as substandard, claiming that they were quickly damaged and are no longer usable.
The fisherman argued that the government should provide quality fishing equipment to help improve the livelihoods of fishermen and ensure their safety while at sea.
Meanwhile, Gbah expressed concern about the role of the fishermen’s leadership, accusing their leaders of failing to adequately raise the concerns of ordinary fishermen with the authorities.
He alleged that some members of the leadership are colluding with government officials, a claim he said has contributed to fishermen not receiving the materials and assistance they need. The allegation could not independently be verified.
Beyond their concerns about fishing equipment, the fishermen also complained about the poor condition of the environment where they operate.
Gbah described the area where fishermen sit and sell their catch fishes as deplorable and unhygienic, calling on the government to improve the site and provide a cleaner environment for both fishermen and consumers.
The fishermen are therefore urging the government to review the support provided to the sector, improve safety measures, provide quality fishing materials, and address the sanitary conditions at the West Point fishing site.
They say meaningful government support would not only protect fishermen’s lives but could also help improve their livelihoods and contribute to the growth of Liberia’s fishing industry.
About The Author
