By: Kabina Kabah
MONROVIA – The Township of West Point is grappling with frustration and despair as fishermen and fishmongers lament the slow pace of fishing activities and the lack of visible support from the government.
Many, particularly young fishermen, criticized the government’s allocation of US$475 to the National Fishery and Aquaculture Authority (NaFAA), insisting they have yet to feel any benefits.
“We are paying 475 United States dollars and seeing no impact,” said Joseph Jackson, a local fisherman, who explained that dwindling fish supplies leave many struggling to feed their families.
Another fisherman expressed concern about the growing desperation among the youth:
“We don’t want to become ‘Zogos’ or beg for help. We come here to hustle, but it’s still difficult.”
Fishmongers are equally affected. Madam Victoria Toe, a mother of four, made a tearful appeal as she revealed that her children have not yet been registered for the current school year.
“Imagine school is open and I don’t even have the money to register my children. I will have to beg for them to start while I figure out how to hustle.”
Residents pointed to the mounting plastic pollution in the waters, which they believe has worsened the decline in fish stocks. With over 200 canoes docked along the shore and countless fishmongers depending on daily catches, the situation has become a major threat to livelihoods.
Community members fear that without urgent government intervention, the environmental crisis and economic strain could leave many families in West Point homeless and destitute.
For now, their message is clear: the people of West Point need real support, not promises.
