Police launch $100M anti-piracy initiative with floating base located in Waini River

The Guyana Police Force  in pursuit of one of its key anti-piracy initiatives has formalised arrangements through the assistance of the Government, realising a Floating Base, the M.B Tamakay, now located in the Waini River Mouth, in Region One, which will be fully operational shortly.

This Floating Base, a press release from the GPF said is staffed by ranks drawn from the Police Marine Station, Tactical Services Unit and ‘F’ Division and is commanded by a Gazetted Officer.

It is equipped with sleeping and seating accommodation, kitchen and other necessary facilities in keeping with socio-economic standards.

 According to the Force, the principal purpose of the M.B Tamakay (Floating Base), is based on a Memorandum of Understanding signed in 2014 by the Guyana Police Force, Guyana Defence Force, Guyana Revenue Authority, Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit and Guyana Energy Agency, and is in keeping with a collaborative approach to address the prevention and response to piracy and other crimes in that area.

“Currently diligent endeavors are being expended to realise the satisfactory upkeep of ranks and other efforts are directed in furtherance of safety and security, and retraining, with the appropriate legislation in mind, and of course, maintenance and other aspects inherent to the serviceability of the Floating Base,” the statement said.

A Standard Operating Procedure is currently being finalised.

This Floating Base will be equipped with smaller crafts which will be used for launching of preventive patrols and to respond to reports of piracy and other crime on the river.