The Maritime Administration Department (MARAD) today said that neither Opposition Leader Azruddin Mohamed nor a fast craft reportedly owned by him is licensed or otherwise authorised to operate.
The statement comes following Mohamed’s detention early Wednesday morning after a late-night operation involving members of the Guyana Police Force, Guyana Defence Force and Coast Guard at Friendship, East Bank Demerara.
According to a statement from the We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) Party, Mohamed was aboard the vessel when the servicemen arrived at approximately 10:15 p.m. The vessel was subsequently towed to the Marine Wing of the Ruimveldt Police Station and searched.
WIN said nothing illegal was found aboard the vessel, but Mohamed was subsequently detained by police and informed that he was under arrest pursuant to the “Maritime Act.”
MARAD, in its statement, did not specifically address the circumstances of Mohamed’s arrest, but said its records show that neither the fast craft nor Mohamed is licensed or otherwise authorised to operate.
The agency warned that the operation of vessels by unlicensed persons, or the use of unlicensed or unregistered vessels, presents a “serious and unacceptable risk” to passengers, crew, other waterway users, property and the marine environment.
According to MARAD, such activities contribute to preventable maritime accidents and incidents and compromise the safety of Guyana’s waterways.
The agency said persons found operating vessels without the required licences or authorisation may be subject to enforcement action in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.
MARAD also pointed to the role of the Guyana Defence Force Coast Guard, stating that under the Defence Act, Cap. 15:01, the Coast Guard is empowered to enforce the provisions of every law relating to maritime safety and security.
The agency urged all owners, operators and users of Guyana’s waterways to ensure that their vessels and operations comply with all applicable legal and safety requirements.
