Security at Georgetown Fisheries Wharf under review
 
Georgetown, GINA, October 2, 2007.

Emphasis is currently being placed on heightening security at the Georgetown Fisheries Wharf, Meadow Bank, as part of Government’s commitment to further develop the fisheries sector.
This was highlighted today during a visit to the wharf by Minister of Agriculture Robert Persaud, Acting Crime Chief Seelall Persaud and a team of senior fisheries officers to interact with fishermen and other stakeholders on various matters, mainly security.
The Minister’s visit was also part of Agriculture Month 2007 being celebrated under the theme ‘The Right to Food – A Reality in Guyana,’ which focuses on the various sub-sectors including fisheries, which contribute to food security.
Over recent months, there have been increased reports of robberies at the wharf especially during early business hours.
The Minister noted that the discussions are intended to involve the Police in a collaborative role with the Georgetown Fisheries Co-op Society and fishermen to address security.
He disclosed that close to $1.5M of the debt owed to the Ministry of Agriculture by the Co-op will be waived as an investment by Government to improve the facilities and enhance security. The Co-op currently owes the Ministry in excess of $10M.
            Minister Persaud added that there is need for the Co-op, which manages the facility to play an even greater role in boosting security for those who use the wharf. Fishermen suggested that a permanent Police presence be established, particularly during the early hours. The Crime Chief explained that there are limited resources for such an arrangement.
Members of the Co-op were urged to pursue other mechanisms including involvement of a private security firm. Discussions have already been held in this regard while there are plans to fence the facility’s compound as part of the Co-op’s programme to deal with the situation.
Over recent years, Government has placed considerable interest in enhancing security in the fishing industry to protect fishermen from all forms of criminal activities including piracy. Several interventions have already been made to tackle this issue including drafting of tougher legislation to make piracy a non-bailable offence. An anti-piracy plan for the Guyana Defence Force Coastguard has also been drafted while boats and engines were procured for patrols in Berbice and Essequibo.
At present, focus is being placed on establishment of a special fund to assist piracy victims and a radio communication network as other mechanisms to deal with piracy. Additionally, activities such as registration and licensing of all vessels and engines; development of a colour code for each co-operative society and stamping of all vessels and engines unique to each co-op are being explored as possible deterrents in the fight against this type of crime.

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