IN pursuit of one of its key anti-piracy initiatives, the Guyana Police Force (GPF) has formalised arrangements through assistance from the government for a floating base, the M.B Tamakay, now located in the Waini River mouth, in Region One, which will become fully operational soon.A statement from the force noted that the floating base will be staffed by members of the Guyana Police Force who will be drawn from the Police Marine Station, Tactical Services Unit and ‘F’ Division and is to be commanded by a gazetted officer.
It is equipped with sleeping and seating accommodation, kitchen and other necessary facilities in keeping with socio-economic standards. According to the GPF, the principal purpose of the floating base is founded on a Memorandum of Understanding signed in 2014 by the Guyana Police Force, the Guyana Defence Force, the Guyana Revenue Authority,the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit and the Guyana Energy Agency, and is in keeping with a collaborative approach to address the prevention of and response to piracy and other crimes in that area.
“Currently, diligent endeavours are being expended to realise the satisfactory upkeep of ranks and other efforts are directed in furtherance of safety and security, and retraining, with the appropriate legislation in mind, and of course, maintenance and other aspects inherent to the serviceability of the floating base,” the police statement noted.
It was further noted that a Standard Operating Procedure is currently being finalised, while the operationalising of the floating base is in the vicinity of $100M. According to the force, this floating base will be equipped with smaller craft. which will be used for launching of preventive patrols and to respond to reports of piracy and other crimes on the river.
The Guyana Chronicle had reported that following the recent pirate attack, the David Granger-led administration is considering employing drone technology to monitor Guyana’s waters.
A well-placed source had revealed that the issue was discussed at a recent high-level meeting involving senior government officials, who will be pursuing discussions with their Surinamese counterparts to partner in the effort.