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In response to calls from Carli Bay fishermen for help defending themselves against attacks at sea, the police department began training them to respond to different situations.
A workshop, led by Sgt David Temper of the Coastal River Patrol Unit, was held Monday at the Carli Bay fishing facility. It comes after two local fishermen were found dead in July.
On July 19, the captain of the boat Navindra “Tallman” Garib, 30, and Parasram “Brain” Boodoo, 42, a car painter, disappeared after fishing in the Gulf of Paria from Carli Bay.
A day later, Cedros police found the boat they had left stranded in Granville.
Boodoo’s body was found off the port of Point Lisas on July 21 while Garib’s body washed up in La Brea two days later.
This prompted new calls for intervention by protection services.
On Monday, Temper showed fishermen how to use life jackets, flares and how to save someone from drowning. He also shared several numbers that fishermen can call in an emergency.
Inspector Harold Taitt said Monday’s session was just the start.
“We understand the (security) issues you are having. We are here to give you tools that you can work with (on your own) and also give you tools to work with us – the River and Coast Unit and the Coast Guard.
He said the training would also be provided in other fishing communities.
Taitt said he was working with relevant authorities to create laws to protect fishermen. He did not disclose any details.
Snr Surt Christopher Paponette warned participants against being vigilant on land as well.
“Some of us may have seen things happening, or people nearby,” Paponette said, begging people to report suspicious activity.
He said other fishing communities face similar safety concerns.
Paponette said talks are underway with National Security Minister Fitzgerald Hinds, DCP McDonald Jacob and DCP Joanne Archie.
Area MP Ravi Ratiram also attended the training, who told fishermen that he was part of the ongoing conversations and defending their interests.
“I am very happy that this new Minister of National Security accepted the call to meet with the fishermen.
“Several commitments have been made and today we see one of these commitments which is the offer of training activities.
Ratiram said fishermen using the Carli Bay facility can expect improved lighting soon.
While fishermen in the area were receptive to the advice given, some complained that the advice was impractical given some of the infrastructure issues they have.
They said that because cell service in the area is so poor, the numbers they received to call in an emergency will be useless.
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