– two weeks after high-seas massacre

IT’S been labelled one of the deadliest attacks of its kind this part of the world in recent times, but now almost three weeks on, the relatives of the 20 fishermen whose fates were sealed when pirates struck are yet to come to terms with what happened, much less move on.

Of the 20 men involved in the deadly high-seas ordeal, just five lived to tell the grisly tale. Three have been confirmed dead, as their bodies were recovered, while the remaining 12 are still unaccounted for and feared dead.

Of the four fishing vessels that came under attack that fateful night three Fridays ago in Surinamese waters, two have since been recovered. One was reportedly sunk, while the other is still listed as missing, and suspected to been coveted by the maruders.

After news of the tragedy broke the day after the attack, many of the men’s relatives living here travelled to neighbouring Suriname in the hope of finding their loved ones alive. But with those hopes since dashed with each passing day, they now want closure; to know whose bodies have been recovered, so they can give them their final rites.
Minister of Public Security, Mr Khemraj Ramjattan and a team of high-level government officials travelled last weekend to Suriname to stand in solidarity and meet with relatives of the 20 fishermen and Surinamese authorities so that together they could discuss the way forward.
On Sunday, the minister met with the victims’ families at the Guyana embassy on Henck Arron Straat in the Suriname capital, Paramaribo, and had an over three-hour “heart to heart” discussion on what occurred, and recorded sensitive details from survivors.

They then met the following morning with senior Surinamese officials, where Minister Ramjattan conveyed the relevant details and concerns expressed at the meetings he had the day before.
At the conclusion of those meetings, he met with the media of both Suriname and Guyana, and thereafter told the Guyana Chronicle he was satisfied with the way the Surinamese authorities have handled the matter.

‘PLEASE BE PATIENT’
He also pleaded with the relatives of those fishermen that are still missing to exercise some patience, as the authorities of both countries are trying their best to ascertain the identities of the bodies in their custody, a process that will take some time due to the operational differences of the security force of the two countries.

Said the minister: “There are certain differences in operational modes and all of that… For example, the Surinamese authority wanted to do DNA testing on all those bodies so far recovered. Although they can be in a state where it could be identified by family members, they want 100% certainty. And that is a method they have here: DNA testing. It takes some time, and the family members were somewhat cross with the police, saying it’s better to give us the body so they could be buried. But it doesn’t happen like that here, where, like in Guyana, the body can be identified, and a post mortem is done and it is handed over.”

But while some relatives have been nothing but understanding and appreciative of what the authorites have been doing, the majority are appealing to the Guyana Government to try to convince their Surinamese counterpart to hand over the bodies. Some even raised their concerns at numerous meetings, but to no avail.

Opposition leader, Mr Bharrat Jagdeo in an interview with the Guyana Chronicle at the Waldring Dock in down-town Paramaribo said he is committed to working with the government on the matter, and is happy that Minister Ramjattan went to Suriname to see what is taking place on the ground, but is also calling on the authorities to treat the situation as an exceptional one.
He said he intends to raise the issue in the National Assembly here so as to help raise public awareness on it, and bring closure as quickly as possible to the affected families.

Some relatives are contending that they best know their loved ones, and that a quick physical examination of the remains is all that is needed to quickly put the matter to rest.

BADLY DECOMPOSED
However, this publication has been given to understand that the bodies are badly decomposed, and some are even missing parts, which would make that difficult.

Speaking on condition of anonymity, one family member said he was told that only the first body that was recovered is recognisable, while the others are in a terrible state.
“They told me that the bodies are badly damaged; one even missing a leg,” he said, adding:
“They say the smell is so bad that if they expose people to that, and it is not their relatives, it will only make it more difficult for us.
“The DNA is easier. They also mention it is unhealthy to come into contact with the bodies how they are now, so I don’t mind waiting.”

Others are contending that they have been in Suriname for over a week, and have expended a lot of monies without getting anything concrete.
“All meh money done,” one said. “Meh husband had steel in he foot; if me see the body, me know me guh recognise am. But meh nah get more money, and meh nah know whah fuh do.”
The woman’s sentiments were echoed by many who contend the constant running around and uncertainty has taken a toll on them not only financially, but mentally as well. Some put on hold jobs and other commitments just to get answers.

“My son does do everything for me,” said another mother. “He is the youngest, and I just want know if is he body there or not, so I can know what to do, ‘cause I can’t really stay long because I staying by people who helping me.
“But you got to get conscience too; I can’t leave here without knowing what happen, or if he is one of the bodies. I can’t live with that,” said Nandanie Sukra, mother of Ralph Couchman, who is just 22.

She told the Guyana Chronicle she was told after submitting her DNA sample that given the state of decomposition the bodies are in, it would be difficult to get a sample from the flesh, and that the bones would have to be sent for testing.
What she would like to know, however, is what will become of the flesh and remaining bones, and how long the process will take.

“I just want know if his body is here or not,” the grief-stricken mother said. “If it is here, please give me so I can bury him and satisfy myself. Even if meh ain’t get no results, I gon have to live with that.”