Fishermen reject Ramjattan’s piracy ploy

– State, not citizens responsible for fighting piracy

Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan admitted that the move to arm fishermen in an effort to combat piracy was greeted with much reluctance and, as such, the plan is unlikely to follow through.
Recently, the Government disclosed that it is considering granting firearm licences to fishermen to help them ward off pirates who have been on a rampage in the Corentyne area over the years.

Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan

However, speaking to media operatives on Friday, Ramjattan noted that some fishermen were not too keen on the idea and requested the implementation of stronger patrol systems instead.
“That suggestion (arming fishermen) is coming with some criticisms even from some of the fishermen. They would prefer that we have patrols in mid-ocean with them. I told them that that would be too expensive. The other is to arm them and, whenever anybody would come to attack them, they can take care of themselves. But a lot of them seem reluctant to do that. I don’t know what then will be the option,” he explained.

Piracy has been a sore issue for fishermen, especially in Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne). Many have complained that there is an abundance of talks about the problem but little to nothing is being done to fight it. However, the Minister said he has not yet reached a dead-end.
In fact, the Minister was quite interested in a letter published in one of the daily locals entitled “Plenty of talk about piracy but too little action to curb it”, which made reference to a document titled “Strategy for the Conduct of Effective Antipiracy Patrols in the Territorial Sea and Rivers of the Republic of Guyana” which addressed the issue of piracy.

In the letter, written by one Captain Rouchie E W Adams, he noted, “There is a plan that I just recently read and I have asked the Permanent Secretary to get up that plan.”

Piracy has been a sore issue for fishermen, especially in Region Six

The writer indicated that the document was initially submitted to the Home Affairs Ministry in 2013 and some of its contents were accepted upon. Some contents on the document included the area of the territorial sea and the ten main waterways which provide access to the mainland from the Atlantic Ocean; the specific areas of responsibilities for various Police Divisions; and a list of assets considered necessary to efficiently and effectively conduct maritime operations in the sea and rivers. Some of the equipment included vessels, communication equipment and safety and emergency equipment.

further, the document underscored the importance of proper training to maritime officers, pointing out that equipment would be useless without due training.

According to the letter, the recommendations were accepted by twelve policemen who commenced training in July 2013 which lasted until April 2014, however only eight succeeded. Also, a large quantity of the recommended equipment were purchased and shipped to Guyana in July 2014, the letter stated. Though for some reason, the plan never saw fruition. As such, the writer recommended that the new Government review this plan.

“My recommendation for assistance from China would be in the form of equipment such as radar to be erected at strategic points along the coast using their expertise to operationalise; various types of marine electronic equipment, communication equipment, safety equipment, emergency equipment and if possible small territorial sea patrol craft suitable for our territory. Guyana has experienced former Coast Guard officers who were trained in maritime operations in the United Kingdom, Canada, United States of America and Brazil.         

These officers know the Guyana coast like the palm of their hand and can be used to conduct not only anti-piracy, but also anti-contraband, search and rescue, fisheries protection and armed board and search training for marine policemen and personnel from other agencies. There is also the Matpal Marine Institute with fully accredited

Guyanese lecturers presently housed at Critchlow Labour College; it is a satellite of the Caribbean Maritime Institute based in Jamaica, which is ‘white listed’ by the International Maritime Organisation. This training facility offers several courses for seamen and issues worldwide recognised certification to successful candidates,” the writer penned.

Fishermen in Region Six going about their daily business

The Minister noted that he was impressed by the contents of the letter and will consider reviewing the plan in its efforts to combat piracy. “I like the idea and I think I have to meet that person or read that plan and try to implement as much of it as possible,” he said.

In fact, the Minister was quite interested in a letter published in one of the daily locals entitled “Plenty of talk about piracy but too little action to curb it”,

Piracy has been a sore issue for fishermen, especially in Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne). Many have complained that there is an abundance of talks about the problem but little to nothing is being done to fight it. However, the Minister said he has not yet reached a dead-end.

"According to the letter, the recommendations were accepted by twelve policemen who commenced training in July 2013 which lasted until April 2014, however only eight succeeded. Also, a large quantity of the recommended equipment were purchased and shipped to Guyana in July 2014, the letter stated. Though for some reason, the plan never saw fruition. As such, the writer recommended that the new Government review this plan."

Ramjattan is NOT knowledgeable to handle the position of Minister of Public Security. He picked this position to take revenge on some members of the PPP. The position was given to him by Granger because they make a deal. It didn't matter if he was qualified or not. The result of this is causing death of innocent people and criminals overrunning the police force. this is serious.

Holy cow! You mean "unqualified" people should NOT be appointed to head important ministries? And that an incompetent Home Minister like Rohee and Teixeira end up killing innocent people with their incompetence?

God Lard bai. There's F-ing hope for you yet.

When the PNC was in opposition, they were against all PPP policies. They say that they can do everything better if and when they govern. Their campaign promises were the same. I expect better now that they're in government. Instead, we're seeing worst with the increase in crime. Police response is slow from every crime report coming out of Guyana. This not a coincident. This is a plan to eliminate people believe to be associated with the PPP.

PNC is, however, showing their continued ineptness.

Perhaps, his other plans will fall apart due, of course, to ill conceived preparation and knowledge of the actual issues and consequence.