By Nafeeza Yahya in Parmaribo

PUBLIC Security Minister, Khemraj Ramjattan has assured that all efforts are being made to ensure that the relatives of the victims of the recent piracy attack are given the necessary assistance from Government.

Minister  Ramjattan, who is on a special visit to Suriname with a high-level delegation, has met with the relatives and some of the survivors of the recent piracy attack and was able to hear firsthand the  concerns of the relatives of the 20 men of which 12 are still missing and feared dead. He made the comments at a joint news conference with Surinamese authorities on Monday.

He disclosed that after speaking with the relatives and hearing their concerns and request, assistance in all forms is forthcoming even as administrative assistance is being provided currently.“ Even though I haven’t gotten affirmative answers, I am absolutely certain other forms of assistance will be forthcoming to those Guyanese that need help. I can assure you quite clearly, whatever the form as was mentioned by the Minister of Agriculture (Surinamese) moral, financial and psychological, will be provided”.

He continued that several Guyanese have expressed a desire to re-locate, given that their bread winners may no longer be around. To this end he also assured that all efforts to provide assistance will be made for a smooth transition back to Guyanese soil. Minister Ramjattan explained to the media that Guyanese are skilled in the fishing industry and given that the economic benefits are greater in Suriname, many had migrated several years ago.

Additional support

Meanwhile, Suriname’s Minister of Agriculture, Animal Husbandry and Fisheries, Lekhram Soerdjan, said his team too has met with members of the fishing industry of which over 90% is Guyanese and assured that additional support is eminent.
“We have met with the board of fishermen, the collective and agreed that we will get back to the council of ministers and agree about the long-term support and will get back to the fishermen on the details and will roll out how and when the support will be…”
Both countries have since pledged support to the fishing industry, especially the survivors, not only short-term but long-term, as it relates to the safety of workers on the high seas.

Three-hour meeting

Monday’s news conference had followed a three-hour meeting between the officials and members of the intelligence agencies of both countries where intelligence was shared, discussions on best practices, increased cooperation  and preventative strategies for future occurrences of similar acts.

The parties have been tight-lipped as it relates to the investigations, although promising that details will be released in due time. Minister Ramjattan has expressed his satisfaction with the efforts thus far, noting a lot more is still being done and is calling on the relatives to exercise some patience as it relates to the identification of the bodies and with information being made public.

On April 27th, four fishing boats were attacked by pirates, leaving some 16 fishermen feared dead. So far five survivors have been identified and some three fishermen confirmed dead. The men were beaten, burnt with hot oil, doused with gasoline, chopped mercilessly and tied to heavy object such as batteries and anchors and thrown overboard. In addition, their catch was looted, their boats and engines damaged to ensure they did not stand a chance at surviving. Piracy has been on the decline with a more robust effort by the current administration. At least two of the survivors who spoke to this newspaper have vowed not to return to the fishing business despite investing most of their lives in the industry. Many
are also hopeful that with the renewed cooperation between the two countries, measures will be put in place to help regulate the trade and safeguard fishermen.