A long-standing and strong commitment as an independent commercial fisherman, who has thus helped to secure and create local jobs in Paamiut, was the reason why Nielsêrak’ Jakobsen was presented with the Nersornaat in silver.
- The chairmanship of Inatsisartut awards you Nersornaat in silver on the grounds that you have made a meritorious contribution as an independent fisherman for many years, and where you have also contributed to securing internships for maritime school students. Just as you have succeeded in implementing a generational change within your fishing business. You have trained your descendants in fishing and catching and trained them to build up seasonal supplies, said Chairman of Inatsisartut Kim Kielsen, who was in charge of the presentation on behalf of the chairmanship of Inatsisartut.
Life story
Kim Kielsen's speech also provided an insight into Nielsêrak' Jakobsen's life story, where a dream of getting a skipper's education was never realized because he had to help at home to maintain the necessary income.
As early as 12 years old, Nielsêrak' Jakobsen acquired a 20-foot fishing vessel together with his older brother. It was later replaced by a 42-footer and through hard work it became a shrimp trawler in 1988.
- This shows that you have maintained your profession as an enterprising fisherman for many years and where you have often had to adapt to developments within the profession and with great success, said Kim Kielsen.
Willpower and stubbornness
And Kim Kielsen elaborated:
- You have had to carry out a bottom net fishery alone when you lacked other fishermen to fish with, when the fishing was down in Paamiut. Your strength is willpower, stubbornness and courage and optimism. When other fishermen stopped fishing, you looked for new species of fish that could be purchased. When the purchase of crabs began in the late 1990s, you were also among those who diligently purchased for the fish factory.
In addition to life at sea, Nielsêrak’ Jakobsen has also been part of the work of the Fishing Association in Paamiut for a number of years.
This is not the first time that Nielsêrak’ Jakobsen’s efforts have been honored. Several times, he has received a bonus for purchasing the most for the fish factory in Paamiut, which the fishing and catching organization KNAPK has given recognition for. In addition, Nielsêrak’ Jakobsen has received a certificate of honor from the Carl Egede Foundation. In the local fishing and catching association in Paamiut, he is also an honorary member.
Kim Kielsen also found it important to mention that, despite his advanced age, Nielsêrak’ Jakobsen continues to fish and purchase for the fish factory.
