Piracy in T&T waters

Captains,

Piracy in the Western Hemisphere continues to prompt sad commentaries where the effects are felt most - fishing communities. The situation in Trinidad and Tobago calls for a modern Coast Guard that could be effective with relatively modest resources and training.

RADM W

SOURCE: Trinidad Express DATE: 20Aug10

Condolences are extended to the families of those fishermen who lost their lives as a result of piracy in the Gulf of Paria and in the waters near King's Wharf, San Fernando during the past week. These acts must be placed in the proper context, having regard to the fact that the bandits are after boats and engines, not nets and fish. There exists a brisk trade in stolen engines and boats to support fishing and other activities, mainly illegal, on the mainland of South America, as well as the use of these items to barter for drugs and other contraband goods. Let us not discount what goes on up the islands because engines belonging to Trinidad fishermen have found their way to some of these islands. These incidents of piracy in our waters have been highlighted in the news for decades, without solution. In recent times, with the upsurge in the drug trade and gun-running, they have become more prevalent. Is the responsible government agency or agencies keeping a reliable account of where these incidents occur, the frequency with which they occur, how many lives are lost, what items and the value of the items stolen to fully appreciate the gravity of the situation and how best to address it? Can we appreciate that one fisherman's life lost in this way is one too many, for these are citizens who risk their lives at sea on a daily basis, to supply the population with food. Not only are their livelihoods and families threatened, but their very lives are now imperilled. The problem can be approached strategically from two angles: prevention and survival. In terms of prevention, it is the considered opinion of many that a dedicated programme of Coast Guard patrols in those areas where these acts of piracy are likely to happen is the most important key in the fight against piracy. Does setting up a system of regular patrols with two or three boats in known fishing areas present such an insurmountable task for the authorities? Given that on the seas, drug interdiction is a major focus of the Coast Guard, would these patrols not serve the dual purpose of drug interdiction while affording fishermen some measure of comfort and a sense of security when they are out fishing?