Fishing body wants tighter security for fishermen

Trinidad and Tobago Unified Fisher Folks (TTUFF) wants more efficient safety arrangements for fishermen at sea. Spokesman for the group, vice president Kishore Boodram said too many fishermen have been killed, robbed and attacked over the past three years. The group has called for the intervention of National Security Minister John Sandy before more blood is shed. Speaking at the Claxton Bay Fishing Depot on Saturday, Boodram also appealed to Food Production Minster Vasant Bharath to address deplorable fishing conditions in Tobago. Commenting on the recent murders of fishermen Kasinath Ramsaran, Ravi Ramsaran and Pream Squires, Boodram said the incident had saddened and petrified men who have to go to sea for their daily bread.

“It is going too far and enough is enough. More than 20 fishermen have died in the past three years and that is too much. Somebody has to look into this issue very seriously because it is too long that people are not really paying attention to the fishing sector,” Boodram said. The group wants the Government to deploy offshore patrol vessels for the protection of the fishing industry. “Of course I have to call on the Government to put in place some kind of security system. My recommendation is to have the coast guard, the police and the army service the shorelines of Trinidad and Tobago. “Even more security presence at most of the fishing ports because where fishermen have to fish, the piracy is taking place.”

Boodram said the plight of fishermen must be dealt with urgently as it could affect the price of fish. He said it is known that stocks in the Gulf of Paria are depleting and fewer boats are going out to sea. The group also appealed to minister Bharath to provide better facilities for fishermen in Tobago.