Minister of Agriculture Robert Persaud on Tuesday handed over a cheque to a Paradise fisherman and his crew who were attacked by pirates on December 20, even as he called on law enforcement to up their efforts to curb this type of crime.
According to a Government Information Agency (GINA) press release Bharat Kalicharran, owner of fishing vessel ‘Miss Devina’ and his crew were attacked near ‘High Point’ around 7pm.
“During the attack the interior of the vessel was burnt extensively damaging several seines and icebox while the engine was stolen,” the release said.
In handing over the cheque Persaud said the gesture is not a policy but a way of providing assistance in keeping with government’s Anti-Piracy Fund to help fisher folk involved in an accident or those who are the victims of piracy.
The minister also called on law enforcement agencies to heighten security measures since piracy is still a high profile threat to the livelihood of fisher folk.
Kalicharran said he appreciated the gesture and heaped praise on the Fisheries Department for its support over the years.
According to GINA the administration passed the new fisheries act in December 2002 as it continues to seek ways of developing the fisheries industry.
The act was signed into effect on July 25, 2003 and an anti-piracy revolving fund of $5M was set up allowing fishermen and boat owners to return to their fishing activities in the event of an attack.
In order to benefit from the Fund, “$6000 must be paid annually while fisher folks must licence their boats.”
