MINISTER in the Ministry of Agriculture, Alli Baksh, yesterday met with fishermen at the ministry’s Regent Street office to discuss incidents of piracy while at sea. Minister Baksh emphasised that movements will be made to the Cabinet to strengthen the laws. He stressed that the ministry will be looking at the legal aspect and that is implementing the law by getting the police to investigate cases of piracy.
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 jeopardising their lives, the ministry is prepared to give them the fullest support.
Over time, the ministry has been addressing incidents of piracy and this has resulted in government taking a more serious look at such cases.
The police reported yesterday that they were investigating an armed robbery on Saturday off the coast of No. 43 Village, Corentyne, during which four fishermen were robbed by five men armed with firearm and cutlasses.
The police have arrested four men.