Our sympathies and condolences go out to the families of Arnold Beharry and Steven Beharry of Icacos Village, deceased from a recent overturning of the fishing vessel off Icacos Point, Cedros.
This is not the first incident where fishermen have been lost or drowned at sea. Most boating accidents, if not all, could be avoided if there is legislation to regulate all standards for seamen, including the licensing of captains of artisanal fishing vessels.
The unregulated and uncontrolled operation of fishing vessels continues to create increased risk and often loss of life and limb.
At present, the Fisheries Act, Chapter 67:51Act 39 of 1916, loosely regulates fishing in the waters of Trinidad and Tobago. This law is archaic as it does not outline any mandatory qualifications for people who can captain a fishing vessel/pirogue, does not define designated areas for fishermen to catch fish, maximum catch rates, catch size, the maximum speed of vessels in particular areas, protected recreational areas, or prescribes that a captain’s licence must be acquired for any small vessel. There are few if any laws on the sea. Seafarers can do what they like, often at their own demise.
In fact, any person can operate any vessel, at any time, in any place, at any speed, in any state of mind, so whether you are three or 103, whether you are blind, drunk or in-between, you can navigate any small vessel anywhere, anyhow, without any licence.
The draft Fisheries Management Bill 2011 was circulated for consultation to fisherfolk and stakeholders, yet the bill has not been laid or passed in Parliament. This bill mandates that any person who wishes to become a local fisher is to be certified and meet the following requirements in order to obtain a temporary identity card: evidence of certified training in personal survival; vessel operation and general safety in fishing operations; and/or have at least six months practical experience on a vessel. While the Parliament sleeps, the fishers die.
The century-old Fisheries Act is simply irrelevant! The Draft Fisheries Management Bill 2011 must be made law without further delay.
Fishermen and Friends of the Sea (FFOS) appeals to the Honourable Clarence Rambharat, Minister of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries, to stop meandering and lay this bill in Parliament because lives would be saved.
No one can dispute that order breeds order.
2016 Caribbean Communication Network