Guyana fishermen could be allowed to bear arms

Saturday, June 27, 2015, Source

GEORGETOWN, Guyana (CMC) — Fishermen may be allowed to have firearms in their possession when they go out to sea as the government moves to deal with the issue of piracy, Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan has said.

Addressing the executive of the Upper Corentyne Chamber of Commerce, Ramjattan, who is also Second-Vice President, said that piracy has been a sore issue for fishermen, especially in Region Six, and the Ministry of Public Security has begun addressing the crime.

He said among the proposals being considered is allowing fishermen to carry arms while they are out at sea.

He told the business executives that the fishermen will be allowed to go out to sea with their firearms and when they return, the police will take charge of the weapons and ammunition.

"I am keen on something like that because when you are out on the ocean there it's like the olden times in America, like you (are) out in the west and you have only a six-shooter revolver to defend yourself," Ramjattan said.

He said that the ministry has to have practical solutions because measures such as having the "Coast Guard vessels watching how you fish" would not be possible as it would be expensive.

"So too is having helicopters in various parts of Berbice to respond to calls from fishing boats... just the elementary helicopter costs millions, much less the sophisticated type.

"What we would need are some practical solutions," Ramjattan said , adding that efforts will also be made to ensure that boats are equipped with radio systems so that their positions could be tracked.

But he said the efforts to deal with piracy would involve all stakeholders to ensure "we get it right".