Latest update April 23rd, 2024 12:59 AM
Jun 17, 2011 News
Fisherfolk and regulators alike are contemplating the establishment of a special squad to fight the incidence of piracy.
A key meeting on Wednesday between government and a special stakeholders’ body, in making several recommendations, also expressed alarm over the recent escape of a convicted pirate, Kevin ‘Long Hair’ Narine, who has been accused of terrorising and robbing the fishermen in especially the Berbice/Suriname areas over the past years.
Narine and three others, among them convicted murderers described as dangerous, escaped from the New Amsterdam Prison early Saturday morning.
During a specially summoned meeting by Minister of Agriculture, Robert Persaud, with
the Fisheries Advisory Committee, it was decided that boat engines which are a big target for pirates be colour-coded to identify a particular area and association it may belong to.
This is to ensure traceability of fish products and equipment such as engines, the Ministry disclosed yesterday.
The Fisheries Advisory Committee is made up of stakeholders from the fishing cooperatives, the Coast Guard, Police, Maritime Administration, Foreign Affairs, Attorney General’s Chambers, University of Guyana, Private Trawlers Association and the Ministry of Agriculture.
It was further suggested that as a precaution to allow for easier identification, the boats at the time of registration should have their engine number stamped on. Pirates have been finding it easy to remove or file away the serial number.
“It was also suggested that the Coast Guard should intensify their patrols and it was observed that certain times of the year piracy tends to increase so these trends should be noted and extra patrols be done in this period. Other recommendations include identification cards for fishermen, the use of radios and enforcement so as to ensure fishermen are licensed,” the Ministry noted.
Regarding the formation of a special squad to probe pirate attacks, the body said that it would
include the Coast Guard, police and the prosecutors, who would dedicate their time to investigative work, which would lead to the capture and successful conviction of persons involved in piracy incidents.
“It was noted too many persons caught in piracy are allowed to be bailed or set free, where they return to intimidate the fishers or the persons thought to be involved in their capture and even return to piracy.”
With many reported instances of pirates fleeing to neighbouring Suriname after attacks, and vice versa, the Committee also called for a closer collaboration with neighbours, including Suriname, to improve the communications.
“This would create a communication network in the event of a piracy attack which would lead to more patrols being activated in the event it has cross border issues.”
The intimidation of victims by pirates was also another critical aspect discussed.
“It was noted that once persons see that pirates are caught and sent to prison, they would feel comfortable to assist the law in helping to capture them, as it is now the pirates released on bail or freed most times threaten the fisherfolk and return to their unlawful activities.”
According to the Ministry, while is it difficult to totally stamp out piracy, the recommendations can reduce the incidences.
“During the discussions, it was agreed that certain aspects of piracy lead to the difficulty in curbing this offence, such as the fact that most of the attacks are done by persons suspected to be close in the fishing community, the decision to release these perpetrators after being caught due to lack of knowledgeable prosecutors and law enforcement agents with regards to the Hijacking and Piracy Act 2008.”
Investigations have found that in most cases, the engines and fish stolen from the fishermen are sold, which means that there are buyers. This, the Ministry said, also means that there are persons in the fishing industry who are willing to facilitate the crime by knowingly buying the stolen items.
LISTEN HOW JAGDEO WILL MAKE ALL GUYANESE RICH!!!
Apr 23, 2024
Kaieteur Sports – Over the weekend, the prestigious Lusignan Golf Club played host to the highly anticipated AMCHAM Golf Tournament, drawing golf enthusiasts and professionals alike from across...Kaieteur News – Just recently, the PPC determined that it does not have the authority to vitiate a contract which was... more
By Sir Ronald Sanders Waterfalls Magazine – On April 10, the Permanent Council of the Organization of American States... more
Freedom of speech is our core value at Kaieteur News. If the letter/e-mail you sent was not published, and you believe that its contents were not libellous, let us know, please contact us by phone or email.
Feel free to send us your comments and/or criticisms.
Contact: 624-6456; 225-8452; 225-8458; 225-8463; 225-8465; 225-8473 or 225-8491.
Or by Email: [email protected] / [email protected]