Georgetown : The Ministry of Home Affairs handed over five boats valued at $76.8M to the Guyana Police Force Marine Department that will enable the force to better patrol and respond to crimes on the waterways.
The MV Baramani, which is a Coast Guard patrol boat, was procured at the cost of $71.9M while the other four wooden patrol vessels were acquired at a cost of $4.9M.
Speaking at the brief ceremony yesterday at the Coast Guard Headquarters, Ruimveldt, Police Commissioner (ag) Seelall Persaud, pointed out that it was a very happy day for the force as the new boats will add to the capacity to better enable the officers to police the riverain, as well as the coastal areas.
“It is the first time in our history that we have a vessel that can actually do coastal patrol and this will go a long way in bringing relief to fishermen and other persons that operate offshore that have been threatened by piracy.”
The Commissioner also pointed out that the boat will aid in enhancing joint operations between the force and other agencies such as the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) and the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Coast Guard in dealing with smuggling of goods, cargo that can be cleared and also illegal substances.
Several officers were trained to use the vessels earlier this year.
Minister of Home Affairs, Clement Rohee, who was also present at the ceremony in his brief remarks, noted that these vessels were catered for in the 2013 budget although the Ministry has been emphasising on its procurement long before.
He added that though Guyana experiences some amount of pirate attacks on fishermen over the years, especially during the period 2010 -2012 in the Corentyne River, it is important to clear up this misunderstanding that Guyana is infested with pirates.
The Minister further added that this misinformation has created a hindrance in tourism activities as it relates to ships and vessels entering Guyana because it creates fear.
He noted that this undertaking by government is to build capacity for the force to carry out its duties more effectively.
He also pointed out that in order to be able to be a part of the “contest” between the underworld and the officers, “we also need to be ready and equipped in order to be on top of the situation.”
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