RESIDENTS of the indigenous people’s community of Siparuta, a satellite community of Orealla, Region 10, have complained about being harassed by Surinamese police whenever they carry out simple “hook and line” fishing in the Corentyne River. This has been going on for several weeks, leading the residents to lodge a complaint with The Amemindian Association of Guyana. (TAAMOG).
The Siparuta residents claim that the men, dressed in uniform, have ordered them to desist from fishing in the Corentyne River, saying, “The Corentyne River belongs to Suriname.”
Through this form of intimidation the residents have become very concerned, claiming that it is affecting their very sustenance, since they use the fish they catch to provide food for themselves and families.
As for the farmers on the river banks, they are even afraid to come out of their homes to make complaints to the Guyana police, since they are afraid of being arrested by the Surinamese police when they venture out of their homes.
Meanwhile, the Guyana Chronicle understands that a former administrative functionary regularly interacts with Amerindians of Apura, Suriname. This has caused heightened fears among the indigenous people of Siparuta, especially in light of the territorial controversy between Guyana and Suriname.