We note with a great degree of consternation, the recent increase in piracy attacks on the high seas. While these attacks are condemned by all, except those who stand to gain from them, we must be willing to assist in efforts to rid our seas of this scourge. Indeed, we should not treat this matter of piracy as just another problem, but rather as a matter of very dangerous proportions as attacks sometimes result in loss of life or lives.
The question of piracy leads one to many questions, which must not be misconstrued to be anti-security forces or anti-government.
These questions which are people-oriented are probing inquiries about their breadwinners and loved ones, who risk their lives and endure harrowing experiences at sea in their bid to bring comfort to their families, and food to the Guyanese people.
In the course of a piracy attack, apart from physical harm to victims, personal effects, outboard engines, gasoline, seines, food items among other valuables are demanded and taken by force.
The situation has reached such a stage in recent times, that we must make a collective effort in working out ways and means to put an end to this spate of lawlessness on our high seas.
Guyana is a free and democratic state in which every Guyanese is entitled to move around unhindered in every square inch of land and waterways which are mapped out to the 200 miles economic zone.
It therefore becomes a problem to every law-abiding citizen, when their brothers and sisters are prevented, sometimes in a most brutal manner from conducting their trade or business within the limits of the laws of the land. We are talking specifically here about piracy and the most recent attacks on the Pomeroon River against 15 fishermen, who were attacked and robbed by these so-called buccaneers, who inexplicably knighted themselves ‘emperors’ of the sea.
There is no denying the fact that the Donald Ramotar government, although just a few months old, has its pulse on all areas of governance in this country, and will leave no stone unturned in its efforts to bring more relief to all the people of this country. Already, it has promised to reinforce the current anti-piracy laws.
While the people appreciate the fact that the government is eager to address this sore question of piracy, we must be mindful that this could be possible only through the passage of a Bill in the National Assembly, after which President Ramotar will be required to give his assent before it becomes law.
The people believe that this will be a real test for the opposition in Parliament in terms of their clamour  for collective approaches and consensus in matters of national interest.
We believe that the question of piracy is one such matter that presents a challenge, and it will be interesting to see how they would hold out on the issue. In the meantime, the people have every right to question the activities of our security forces in their efforts to put the brakes on piracy and other sordid activities.
This has inevitably forced us to query whether our security forces have set up any mechanism to include the population at large in the fight against piracy.
While we recognise the role of the security forces in the fight against crime, the methodology might be a source of some concern. We believe in acting before, rather than after the fact. This is also the conviction of the majority of the people of this country.
We believe that here the people play an important role, and the security forces must be able to win their confidence.
We say this because the pirates do not act in a vacuum. They must have certain members of civil society who aid them, for instance, with intelligence, the people who buy their loot and those who act as conduits for their nefarious activities.
The question is, why can’t our security forces act before the commission of an illegal act or misdemeanour?
This seems to be the trend not only with regard to piracy, but also other criminal acts that are committed against peaceful citizens.
We are extremely happy that President Ramotar has taken a hands-on approach in the matter of the 15 fishermen who were battered, robbed and left to perish at the perils of the sea until they were  rescued by the Guyana Defence Force and Police Coast Guard teams following extensive searches.
The people appreciate the intervention of President Donald Ramotar in genuine efforts to assist the fishermen and their families so they could continue their business.
Of course, we cannot overlook or downplay the importance of these people who make a contribution to the well-being of all Guyanese. We support His Excellency in his take on piracy, and hope that his government will come up with acceptable proposals which could rid our rivers of this menace once and for all. The nation waits with great expectations.