“Lady Nayera” and “Sea Wolf,” the two fishing vessels which were detained by Venezuela in Guyanese waters, returned to port yesterday manned by 12 grateful seaman.
“It feel real good. I’m very excited to be home,” Christopher Shaw told Sunday Stabroek.
Shaw, a crewmember of the “Sea Wolf,” explained that currently the men are still confined to the boat as they have been tested for COVID-19 and are awaiting the results which are scheduled to be delivered on Monday.
Speaking about his time in Venezuela, the 29-year-old said it was stressful.
“I can’t complain about the treatment ’cause we de getting to eat and so but we didn’t earning and you know when you is the breadwinner them things does sit pon you mind,” he explained.
Last week, his mother Beverly Ross told this newspaper that her son’s only concern was returning home but now that he is in Guyana his mind has moved on to new problems.
“The people them collect all we fish and we come home with no money… I call me girl and she ain’t seh nothing but it but I know is month end and rent gah pay, we got light bill, water bill and so on. Right now is pure joy to be home but money ain’t deh,” he shared.
Those, however, are concerns for another day; for now according to Sea Wolf Captain Toney Garraway, “we just happy fuh deh home.”
Kumar Lallbachan, the owner of Lady Nayera, shared his joy.
“I’m happy and grateful. Thanks to the government of Guyana and the government of Venezuela for making sure the boats come back. The government of Guyana worked very hard so I am very grateful,” he said.
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, the two vessels were intercepted by Venezuelan naval vessel, “Commandante Hugo Chavez GC 24”, while operating off the coast of Waini Point at a position of N 80 49’ 06”/ w 590 37’ 40” W.
These co-ordinates, the ministry reminded, are “well within Guyana’s territory” and, therefore, the interception and detention of the crew members and vessels were illegal. The men were held at Port Guiria, Venezuela.
In an address to the nation just over a week ago, President Irfaan Ali announced that bilateral relations with Venezuela would be put on hold until such time as it desists from its aggression and immediately releases the fishing vessels and crew members.
“We are committed to bilateral discussions of matters of joint concern such as COVID-19 and Venezuelan migration to Guyana but… these discussions must be preceded by a commitment from Venezuela to desist from aggression and release immediately the vessels and crew,” Ali said during a public briefing on the matter. The crew and both vessels were illegally detained by the Venezuelan Government at Port Guiria until Venezuelan President Nicholas Maduro ordered their release on February 2.
Speaking to reporters on February 3rd, President Ali said: “I want to take this opportunity to thank all our international partners, CARICOM Heads of Government, and all of our other international partners, for adding their voices in a very strong manner on this very important issue.”
The president added that he is “very grateful” for the support. He said that CARICOM was unanimous in its solidarity for Guyana and its statement against the detention of the vessels was strong and direct.
“That CARICOM statement must have had an impact, so too for all the statements from our bilateral partners and our international partners.”
The president said that he is looking forward to Venezuela acting responsibly and hopes that they desist from interfering with fishermen or anyone conducting business within Guyana’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), which will continue to facilitate economic activities.
He reiterated that once there is a need to speak on any issue, excluding the border matter before the International Court of Justice (ICJ), Guyana, as a good neighbour, is ready to communicate.
Government has also committed to offering the families of the 12 fishermen economic and psychological support.
On Friday Minister Todd met with the families at Charity, provided them with food hampers and assured them of government’s continued support.
