MINISTER of Home Affairs, Clement Rohee, yesterday met with the grieving families of the missing fishermen at No.64 Village Corentyne, Berbice, where he reinforced government’s commitment to ensuring that the men are found. He assured the wives of the missing men of President Bharrat Jagdeo’s support during this difficult time, and said that the Administration will not sit by and let the matter go unresolved.
Residents in the area, which is predominantly a fishing community, are calling for the relevant authorities to work harder to apprehend and prosecute hijackers and pirates, a suggestion that was fully endorsed by the minister, however, he explained that once matters such as these are handed over to the court, there is very little government can do, as the law has to take its course.
The families of the missing men, Dularie Dhanpat (mother of Kemraj Dhanpat and Narine Dhanpat), Drupattie Itwar (wife of Khemraj Dhanpat) and their four children, Chandratie Jewan (wife of Sumesh Martin) and the couple’s two children, Vasthina Samaroo (wife of Narine Dhanpat) and two children, Nadira Singh (wife of Clifford Singh) and one child, and Ankumarie Ramnarine (mother of Oditnarine Ramnarine) are all hoping for the safe return of the men.   
On August 6, the fishermen left home for a 10-day fishing trip at sea. After they failed to return,  relatives began enquires and these led the boat owner to Coronie, Suriname, where he found a stripped boat but no trace of the men. (GINA)