Dear Editor,
Permit me to share my comments on your editorial dated Wednesday, December 12, 2007 captioned ‘Grand Evasions’.
For the records, I have been associated with the fisheries sector for the past 20 years as a fisherman/owner of three vessels as this is how I earn a living. Over the past five years, the incidences of hijackings have been increasing. Despite this, I am pleased with the effort and the cooperation of the relevant Ministries and the Government of Guyana to provide some form of assistance to fishermen. Piracy has been with us for ages and even highly industrialized nations cannot stop piracy and that is a fact.
The notable efforts by various Ministries should not go unnoticed as recently with the cooperation of Surinamese authorities eight suspected hijackers were detained and positively identified by fishermen. This action has given the fishing community hope of protection and also demonstrates government’s concerns and support to this sector that employs more than 10,000 families.
Further, I believe it’s unfair for your editorial to label the efforts by the government as a “so-called anti-piracy plan”.
That fact that there is a plan is an indication of government’s support to facilitate the growth of this sector. I would also like to point out that this very same plan has proven successful at deterring and also capturing suspected hijackers. In addition, the passing of the Anti-Piracy Bill will ensure greater protection for fisherfolk, while providing necessary legislation to the Guyana Police Force to prosecute those found guilty.
It is public knowledge that the fishing industry is experiencing difficulties due to piracy and I am confident that the government will continue to work with fishermen and various co-ops to reduce the incidence of hijackings.
Meanwhile, I would like to urge all who are truly concerned to support the efforts of the various Ministries and law enforcement agencies to ensure fishermen continue to earn a decent livelihood without fear.
Yours faithfully,
Ricardo Robertson
