BASS intensifies action against Corentyne boats Fishers held by Suriname were not licensed By Desiree Jodah Stabroek News June 12, 2000 The Berbice Anti-Smuggling Squad (BASS) has intensified its clampdown on small boats ferrying passengers over the Corentyne River in the wake of the heightened Suriname military presence in the area. Stabroek News understands that more military personnel and anti-aircraft weaponry were ferried to the Surinamese border where `backtrackers' (illegal migrants) land. These areas include Side Deck, Bon Deck, Clara and surrounding areas just opposite the Guyana coastline. This newspaper understands from reliable sources that the beefed up military presence was as a result of Suriname's claim that a Guyana Defence Force helicopter had invaded its airspace. Up to 1600 hrs yesterday there was no sign of Suriname's patrol boats which had been prowling the area since Saturday. Yesterday morning BASS members stopped all passenger boats taking illegal Guyanese immigrants to Suriname. BASS allowed only one boat to cross yesterday with one woman and some goods leaving behind a number of Guyanese who live in Suriname. Passengers complained that they had been trying to go to Suriname since yesterday morning for the 15-minute trip across the river. Speed boat operators claim they are losing on an average up to $200,000 a day because of the restrictions on their vessels going over. They are losing out on trading and in the illegal passenger service they operate. These speed boat operators, traders and the residents of Corriverton are eagerly awaiting the outcome of the meeting between Guyana and Suriname tomorrow when the Surinamese are expected to respond to the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on the CGX oil rig dispute tabled by Georgetown. Speed boat operators are not happy about the restrictions placed on their movement across the river by BASS. Contrary to the attitude of people on Saturday when they appeared not to be worried yesterday it was evident that the tension in the area was rising with the approach of tomorrow's talks. The issue is being discussed on the wharf, shops and streets and even in homes. Four Guyanese fishing boats which Stabroek News had reported were held by the Suriname Navy on Thursday were released on Friday after being fined for fishing without a licence. Those fishermen who are stopped by the Suriname navy and who have their documents in order are allowed to continue. Follow the goings-on in Guyana in Guyana Today