Guyana government promises tougher legislation to fight piracy
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
Source
Small fishing vessels are often targeted by pirates. (File photo)
GEORGETOWN, Guyana, Wednesday December 21, 2011 - Government has promised to strengthen anti-piracy laws after four fishermen were attacked on Saturday off the country’s east coast.
The men, including the captain of the fishing boat, were robbed by five men armed with guns and cutlasses.
Media reports said the pirates escaped with an outboard engine, a compass and Global Positioning System (GPS) equipment among other items, leaving the men adrift for two days.
Four people have been arrested in connection with the incident, the police said.
During a meeting yesterday with fishermen, Minister in the Ministry of Agriculture Alli Baksh asked for individuals with information to assist the authorities.
“The Minister pointed out that fishermen are earning their living through hard and difficult conditions and if they have evidence to prove that persons are involved in piracy and jeopardizing their lives, the Ministry is prepared to give them the fullest support,” a government release stated.
Small fishing vessels are often targeted by pirates.
Five months ago, a string of attacks led to tightened collaboration between Guyana, Venezuela and Suriname.
Authorities said those attacks were likely linked to a gang of escaped prisoners, headed by convicted pirate Kevin Narine.
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
Source
Small fishing vessels are often targeted by pirates. (File photo)GEORGETOWN, Guyana, Wednesday December 21, 2011 - Government has promised to strengthen anti-piracy laws after four fishermen were attacked on Saturday off the country’s east coast.
The men, including the captain of the fishing boat, were robbed by five men armed with guns and cutlasses.
Media reports said the pirates escaped with an outboard engine, a compass and Global Positioning System (GPS) equipment among other items, leaving the men adrift for two days.
Four people have been arrested in connection with the incident, the police said.
During a meeting yesterday with fishermen, Minister in the Ministry of Agriculture Alli Baksh asked for individuals with information to assist the authorities.
“The Minister pointed out that fishermen are earning their living through hard and difficult conditions and if they have evidence to prove that persons are involved in piracy and jeopardizing their lives, the Ministry is prepared to give them the fullest support,” a government release stated.
Small fishing vessels are often targeted by pirates.
Five months ago, a string of attacks led to tightened collaboration between Guyana, Venezuela and Suriname.
Authorities said those attacks were likely linked to a gang of escaped prisoners, headed by convicted pirate Kevin Narine.
