All Tobago Fisherfolk Association Assures: ‘The War Is Against Drugs, Not Fisherfolk’
The All Tobago Fisherfolk Association (ATFA) says Tobago’s fishermen are holding the Prime Minister and Chief Secretary to their word that the country is not involved in a war.
ATFA President Curtis Douglas made this statement in an interview with TTT News on Wednesday.
He said while Tobago’s fishermen are concerned about military exercises being conducted in and around the nation’s territorial waters by the US, they will continue trusting the assurances given by those in authority.
« Anything concerning acts of war, one should show caution more than to the wind, and out there is where they ply their trade and mind their families, but coming out of when you listen to the Prime Minister and the Chief Secretary, they said there is no need for alarm, so we trust and believe there will be no need for alarm. »
Mr. Douglas said the fisherfolk are reminded to be vigilant while at sea.
« What I tell the fisher folk is to be cautious and report any kind of activity that is happening that would look life-threatening. »
He explained that for several years the island’s fishermen have been victims of attacks by reported Venezuelans, but no attacks have been made recently.
« We even wrote to the Prime Minister about Venezuelan encroaching, running our fisherfolk, threatening their lives, shooting behind them, and all of this was written. This has been happening for years. So what is taking place is just a little bit of balance for the fisherfolk because we have preyed upon for years, over the years so it is just house cleaning. Nothing most recent since the war on drugs. »
The ATFA President referred to former Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar’s words as he stressed fishermen under his Association are law-abiding citizens.
« Once you are going out and you are plying your trade and you are honest, honestly there is nothing to be worried about. The war is against drugs, not the fisherfolk. So far, what’s coming from the Prime Minister, the war is against drugs, not against fisherfolk, and my fisherfolk do fish. They are not involved in illegal activities, so there is nothing for them to be worried about. »
The ATFA continues to monitor the matter and has urged fisherfolk to abide by the law and be cautious.
