Limited and often no security measures have made fishermen from Carli Bay in Couva more vulnerable to violent and increasing deadly attacks at sea.
This was said by many fishermen who called on the authorities to beef up security systems at sea to protect them. Newsday visited the community on Sunday and spoke to several residents who expressed fear on the job owing to frequent attacks.
The fishermen, who consider themselves law-abiding citizens, said their easy-going nature has made them soft targets for pirates.
[caption id="attachment_903379" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Fisherman Johnny Singh speaks with Newsday at the Carli Bay fishing depot in Couva on Sunday. - Lincoln Holder[/caption]
A fisherman, 46, who identified himself only as Sammy, told Newsday that pirates would not be attacking as frequently if the fishermen had guns or sophisticated weapons to defend themselves.
"If we were people like in the Wild Wild West where everyone had guns, these pirates would not be attacking us just so. They know we are not about illegal guns and drugs. We are about fishing. It is our livelihood."
He proposed that the authorities work with fishermen to create a "panic system" for emergency cases. This system could be similar to a GPS system. It should be built in registered boats, allowing coast guard and other officials to access it.
"The panic system would be a deterrent to the pirates. We need to create a system where everyone can network. We should be able to press a button or something to alert the authorities whether it is a pirate attack, someone having a heart attack, or if someone falls overboard," Sammy said.
"We are not asking for it for free. Give us a fighting chance. There could be a payment plan between boat owners and the Government."
He has been fishing since he was a teenager.
[caption id="attachment_903380" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Newsday reporter Laurel Williams helps fishermen with their catch at the Carli Bay fishing depot in Couva on Sunday. - Lincoln Holder[/caption]
Boat captain Dave Sankar, 48, said Carli Bay and Orange Valley, a neighbouring community, are the two places in this country where fishermen are continuously attacked, robbed and killed.
"Nowhere else are these things happening. We need a security presence at sea. If the Coast Guard passes three times a month, that is plenty. Since police created the Coastal and Riverine Patrol Unit, we saw them twice near the port area.
"Fishermen need help, and the lack of protection at sea is the major issue. If we cannot fish, we have nothing. If we had land, we would be planting something. But we do not own any."
The father of three said he has been fishing since he was nine. Sankar did not go to school but knows what to do at sea when fishing.
[caption id="attachment_903382" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Boat captain Dave Sankar speaks to Newsday about the many attacks faced by fishermen in the Carli Bay, Couva area. - Lincoln Holder[/caption]
A fisherman at the fishing port said the pirates are "so
