Dear Editor,
The fishing community in Essequibo is very uneasy about the increased spate of piracy and the attacks on fishermen on the high seas.
Over the last weekend, pirates attacked an estimated 15 vessels off the Essequibo Coast. There are many challenges facing the fishing sector in Guyana especially in Essequibo and Berbice. The sector contributes significantly to the Gross Domestic Product of the country and is a major employer, therefore the government and the Ministry of Agriculture should provide proper security for these hard-working men.
The PPP Manifesto October 2011 ‘Delivering Security, Safety,and Justice for all‘ places emphasis on intelligence-led policing, strengthening intelligence gathering and upgrading the capabilities of the police force. We will not get far in protecting the fishermen from pirates without the assistance of technology. Such technology must be appropriate to our needs and have a direct relevance to the fishing sector and our environment.
Piracy continues to permeate every sphere in our country. Never in our history have the fishermen lived through such dangerous times. This government has to recognize that a more coherent and integrated approach is needed to overcome the problems of piracy and that Guyana must have a modern police force and army supporting the fishermen on the high seas, and providing the necessary service efficiently and effectively.
Yours faithfully,
Mohamed Khan
