And while police investigate the robberies, many are asking how could it happen. How could it happen when just two days prior the port authority inaugurated a new maritime communications center which was supposed to offer full coverage of Belize's entire territorial sea.
Well, to prevent it from ever happening again this morning officials from the BDF, Fisheries Department, Port Authority, and Ministry of Home Affairs met to discuss maritime security enforcement. After the meeting Home Affairs CEO Allan Usher re-assured fishermen that despite the pirates, the seas are safe.
Keith Swift,
What can you say to the fishermen and the people who live in the coastal communities who might have now have a fear of being robbed by men in black boats with ski masks?
Allan Usher, CEO Ministry of Home Affairs
"Well the people in the black boat and the ski masks will be caught and they will be brought to justice and we need not live in fear if we live within the regulations and within the law. I refer specifically to the Maritime Harbor Act of Belize which has been in existence for some time. The Port Authority which falls under the Ministry of Communications has been steadily upgraded over the past two years. The Government of Belize has announced its full compliance with the international ship and port security code and in addition to that shortly the port authority will set about full encofrmce of safety of sea.
Keith Swift,
But can give the fishermen and the people who have to be out there on the sea everyday ant assurance of society?
Allan Usher,
"The short answer to that question is yes."
CEO Usher says the law already mandates that all vessels should be registered and they will begin enforcement. The fleet of patrol boats for the Port Authority, Fisheries Department, Police and BDF has been upgraded with increased patrol planned. Of note is that in March Cabinet approved the development of a national coast guard. It was approved but no timeline has been given for its implementation.