Corentyne man remanded for 2015, 2016 piracy attacks

A Corentyne, Berbice man who was arrested a few days ago in connection with the recent pirate attacks in Surinamese waters, that left at least four dead and 11 missing, was on Friday arraigned with two other crimes which occurred in 2015.
Thirty-year-old Nakool Manohar of Number 43 Village, Corentyne, Berbice, was remanded to prison by Magistrate Leron Daly when he appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

He was accused of committing an armed robbery on fishing vessel Sir Narine; the property of Danishwar Reddy, called “Smallie” between April 1 and 30, 2015 while being in the company of others.
During the robbery, Manohar and his accomplices relieved several fishermen of a 240 horsepower outboard engine valued $1.8 million. In addition, Manohar was also accused of stealing fishing vessel Captain Vikash estimated to be worth $2.3 million; the property of Vikash Balkissoon.
The father of three was not required to plead to the indictable charges when they were read to him.
His attorney, Joel Edmond, in a submission for bail, told the court that his client owns 10 fishing vessels and does not go out at sea.
The defence attorney further explained that his client is also willing to lodge his travel documents at the court as he reiterated that the offences were committed three and two years ago respectively.
On the basis that his client has been cooperating with the Police, he requested that bail be granted.
However, Police Prosecutor Sanj Singh objected to bail on the seriousness of the offence and more importantly that the accused is being questioned in connection with the recent pirate attacks. Bail was refused and the matter was transferred to the Springlands Magistrate’s Court for May 30.
A few months ago, Manohar’s brother, Somnauth Manohar, was gunned down in Paramaribo, Suriname where he resided and operated a fishing boat.
It was reported that the man’s death stemmed from an ongoing dispute between Guyanese fishermen here and those residing in Suriname over fishing rights in Dutch waters.
Investigators are working on the theory that Somnauth Manohar’s family may have planned the recent horrific attacks as revenge for his death.
In fact, the man’s son was hauled in for questioning in Suriname, while his brother is among the three in custody on the Corentyne.
Currently, law enforcement in Suriname has a total of 30 persons in custody. Among them are “Crackhead” and “Dick” who told Police that they were following orders.