Ravi Ratiram calls on National Minister to intervene in recent arson attack

United National Congress (UNC) MP Ravi Ratiram called upon the new Minister of National Security, Fitzgerald Hinds to intervene and remove the threat of the issues that the Carli Bay fishermen are facing with. In a recent press release, MP Ratiram stated that the Carli Bay fishing community is continuously facing arson attacks and a second such attack within one week was recorded. He stated attempts were also made to incinerate another vessel, which managed to avoid any major damage. MP Ravi Ratiram stated that the last Sunday night into Monday morning, the fishing vessel "Papanas" (TFCA1580) owned by Mr Agard was destroyed by fire, with two more boats being vandalized overnight; "Hallelujah III" (Registration ID: TCFA 1337) owned by Mr Nicholas Ramjass suffered some superficial burn damage and "Hallelujah" (TFCA 1399) also owned by Mr Ramjass, was destroyed. Furthermore, Member of Parliament for Couva North stated in a press release that upon receiving news of this incident, they contacted Central Division Senior Superintendent Curt Simon to appraise him of the matter and seek the police's assistance. "I visited the attack site with Councillor Allan "Taxi" Seepersad and met with the President of the Carli Bay Fishing Association, Mr Imtiaz Khan. While there, TTPS officers from the Couva Police Station also visited the area to conduct their investigations." stated Member of Parliament for Couva North He stated that the matter is concerning the protection, safety, and welfare of the fishing community at Carli Bay and is not new. In August 2019, the NGO Fishermen and Friends of the Sea wrote to the former National Security Minister, highlighting the plight of the Carli Bay Fishing Community and making several pointed recommendations for the improvement of the security infrastructure there.

"To date, no affirmative action has been taken towards resolving these issues, which now are a real and present threat to their livelihoods and their very lives," stated Ravi Ratiram.