New mechanisms being considered
- as Gov’t continues to explore alternative to tackle piracy

Georgetown, GINA, September 06, 2007.

Several proposals have been developed and are being put forward to fishermen, as additional mechanisms that could be adopted to deter pirates from carrying out their activities.  
            This is part of Government’s efforts to reduce incidents of piracy which are affecting fishermen, resulting in severe losses. This criminal activity has been in existence for decades and has affected the livelihoods of many persons who depend on marine fishing. Over the years, the administration has made various interventions to tackle piracy from all aspects of law-enforcement and implementation of various activities.  
            On August 05, Minister of Agriculture Robert Persaud held a meeting at the Upper Corentyne Fishermen Co-op Society complex, Number 66 Village, to discuss several propositions that could be implemented by fishermen and which would make it difficult for piracy to take place. Over the past months, there have been a series of meetings between Minister Persaud and fishermen to look at various ways of helping to alleviate piracy.

            “We are looking at some practical immediate measures that would make it difficult for pirates to carry out their acts. If we can frustrate them and put systems and mechanisms in place, I think it will go a long way. We may not be able to eliminate piracy forever but we must make it difficult and we must let them know that if they commit this act, we have the capacity to respond, intercept and capture some of them,” Minister Persaud said.
            Ensuring the registration and licensing of all vessels and engines, development of a colour code for each co-operative society, stamping of all vessels and engines unique to each co-op and confirmation of catches sold at ports are some of the ideas that have been proposed to deal with piracy. The possibility of random patrols and inspection of vessels at sea and ports by the law-enforcement officials were other actions that could be explored. The stamping of vessels and engines could help the law-enforcement authorities to trace stolen items to areas where they are sold, while confirmation of catches could clamp down on the sale of fishes stolen by pirates.
            Fishermen were also told that a concept similar to the Community Policing Groups could be developed to tackle piracy. Through this system, the coop societies could form groups that will have personnel similar to Rural Constables who will be empowered to have firearms and support the law-enforcement authorities. Already, a legislation has been drafted that makes piracy a non-bailable offence and equivalent to murder. The legislation, which is being spearheaded by Minister of Home Affairs Clement Rohee, will be circulated among the various co-op societies for perusal by fishermen.

            Fishermen spoke about the need for better response from the Coastguard when reports of piracy are made. They were told that a letter has been written to the Secretary of the Defence Board on this matter, requesting that an investigation be conducted into an incident where fishermen claimed the Coastguard refused to respond to a report of piracy and to investigate whether there are adequate patrols.
            An officer from the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) who represented the Coastguard at the fishermen meeting, explained that the Army does not have the authority to deploy staff to the Corentyne River without an approval from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and this makes it difficult for an immediate response to reports of piracy. However, fishermen said arrangements should be put in place to overcome this situation and deal with emergency issues such as piracy. Minister Persaud said discussions will be held with the Foreign Affairs Ministry in this regard.
            The need for aerial patrols was also raised but Minister Persaud noted that this will require a large amount of resources and necessary policies. As such, a radio set system has being put forward to fishermen through which the Ministry of Agriculture will assist the various coop societies to install their own system that will allow better communication.
            Fishermen expressed gratitude to the Minister and Government for the boat and engine that was donated to the Upper Corentyne Co-op Society to assist in conducting patrols. This initiative was done as part of efforts to reduce piracy by supporting the law-enforcement authorities

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