As they frantically sold a pirogue, a van and two boat engines to raise a US$200,000 ransom in exchange for the safe return of five kidnapped fishermen, relatives got word that one of the men Jerry O’Brian had returned home.
Jerry and his brother Jason O’Brian, along with Ricky Rambharose, 35, of Fyzabad, Jagdesh Jude Jaikaran, 16, Brandon Arjoon, 28, and Linton Manohar, 36, - all of Morne Diablo - were reportedly kidnapped by Spanish speaking men during a fishing expedition.
In an interview, Brandon’s father Rodney said they were praying fervently that all of the fishermen will be returned home safely. Rodney said he was yet to see Jerry.
“We hearing that he was released but nobody has seen him yet. We heard they took him to the health centre but I am not sure,” Rodney added.
“I spoke to Jerry father Khemchand and he hasn’t seen him either” Rodney added. Desperate to make up the ransom, Rodney said the family were in the process of selling their possessions to save the lives of their loved ones.
“Those Venezuelans will kill without remorse. I saw a video of them today chopping off a man foot, hand and ears. I started to cry knowing the situation my son is in,” Rodney added. He said he did not plan to send his son back at sea.
“If I have to mind him and keep him home until he gets a little day work here and there, I will do so,” Rodney wept.
Linton’s wife Debbie sold the boat and engines to raise the money.
“They were frantic when they saw the video. These people are dangerous,” he added.
On Monday, the five men set sail on a fishing pirogue off Morne Diablo when they were attacked by Spanish-speaking men.
Another fisherman informed the family of the attack. Sometime later, the family received a voice note from one of the fishermen saying their limbs would be cut off if the US$200,000 ransom was not paid by Wednesday. A photo of the five men sitting on the floor with guns pointed at them also circulated on social media.
—Radhica De Silva
