The Coast Guard has increased its patrols in the Berbice River following recent attacks on fishermen by pirates.

Sources close to the Coast Guard unit told this newspaper yesterday, while no one has been arrested or intercepted, ranks have been maintaining constant patrols and surveillance in the river. The source said the unit does not anticipate any arrests at the moment since the pirates are well informed about the Coast Guard's presence thanks to the press. The source noted that it was normal for the pirates to lay low once the patrols get underway.

Meanwhile, the fishermen whose boats were recently stripped of their engines and nets failed to pull off a meeting on Saturday geared to discuss security issues.

Stabroek News was told that no one turned up for the meeting, since many felt it would not yield anything. The meeting was to have discussed among other things a protest action, issues relating to security and also to form a delegation to meet President Bharrat Jagdeo. It is not clear whether another meeting is planned, but as far as some of the fishermen are concerned their security lies in their own hands.

Brijmohan Rudranauth, from Mon Repos, said he did not show up for the meeting. While some of his colleagues were able to rent engines and get back into business, he was yet to get started. He complained that his employees have all moved over to other vessels.

Asked about the proposals for the setting up of a Coast Guard base at Berbice, the army source said years ago there was a base there but for some reason it was removed.

Stabroek News was told last week that the pirates are former and current fishermen operating from three main bases at Number 64 Village, Mahaica and Waini Point.

Asked whether the GDF have intentions of raiding these areas, the army source said once they received any information, searches would be made.

Last week during a visit by Minister of Agriculture Satyadeow Sawh, fishermen criticised the Albion and New Amsterdam police stations for not acting upon reports. The fishermen also requested that there be co-operation among the agencies.