— several Guyanese fishermen operating illegally in Suriname deported

A SUSPECT in the piracy attack in Surinamese waters just over a week ago on four fishing vessels with some 20 fishermen, most of whom are Guyanese, has confessed to killing at least five of the men.

The confession has come in wake of a visit by a local high-level team to the neighbouring country led by Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan.

A source close to the investigation said the man identified as “Crackhead” was taken in custody by Surinamese law-enforcement officials on Sunday.

The suspect was initially pointed out by survivors as being among alleged notorious pirates Sinbad, Bolo and Dick.

According to information, during interrogation, “Crackhead” initially admitted to killing one of the fisherman but under intense questioning, confessed to killing five of them.

Fishermen in Paramaribo, Suriname, captured and handed over the suspect to local police officials.

A reliable source told the Guyana Chronicle that “Crackhead” was captured in Commewijne, Niew Amsterdam after he went there looking for work.

He was recognised by the fishermen who notified the police.

“The fishermen recognised him but acted smartly. They alerted the authorities but before they arrived, they beat him mercilessly,” the source said.

Reports indicate that “Crackhead” was reportedly tied up and made to lie on the ground until police arrived on the scene.

One of the survivors while recounting the ordeal, said the fishermen were beaten with a machete, chopped, burnt with hot oil and set alight.

A crew member, the survivor recalled, was made to lie in the boat and was chopped “chunk by chunk” by the pirates.

As the investigation continues, Suriname Maritime Police and Coastguards have been patrolling the seas and conducting searches on fishing boats and their crew members.

A number of Guyanese fishermen were found to be in the country illegally and were taken into custody. Those with no documents were immediately deported.

On Saturday, Suriname handed over eight men to Guyana. The men are said to have no links to the piracy attack.

Over the weekend, Surinamese police have arrested close to 30 persons as they intensify their investigation into the attack. Those arrested include an immediate family member of Somnauth Manohar, the man who was gunned down in Suriname on March 30.

Manohar’s brother, Nakool Manohar called “Fyah,” was also arrested in Guyana and remains in police custody.

By Sunday evening, close to 20 persons remained in police custody in Suriname, 10 of whom are said to have direct involvement in the April 27 attack, one of the deadliest pirate attacks off the Atlantic Coast in recent times.

Investigators are working on the theory that the attack was an act of revenge in an ongoing disagreement among Guyanese fishermen who are the main suppliers of fish to the Suriname market.

Today, family members of the missing men will continue to provide samples to the Surinamese authorities to determine the identities of the men whose bodies were recovered.