Senior Reporter
sascha.wilson@guardian.co.tt
Foreign and Caricom Affairs Minister Dr Amery Browne is awaiting word from the Venezuelan authorities on the identity of a body found in Pedernales, Delta Amacuro, last month.
Relatives believe it is the body of David Seepaul, one of the five Cedros fishermen who have been missing since February 24.
Browne said his ministry sought assistance from Venezuelan authorities in the search for the missing fishermen and sent an official diplomatic communication to the Venezuelan Embassy April 16 seeking information corpse that washed ashore in Pedernales.
“Based on accounts provided by family members of one of the missing fishermen, the clothing the fisherman, Mr David Seepaul, was wearing when he departed Trinidad may match the clothing found on the remains. The Ministry is awaiting feedback from the Venezuelan authorities to confirm the necessary details,” he said.
The minister added that officials at the T&T the Embassy in Caracas are in touch with Venezuelan authorities and expect to beinformed as soon as there is positive identification of the body.
Almost two months ago, 60-year-old Seepaul, his 35-year-old son Davanand, Jeremiah Pasqual, 19, Shiva Seepersad, 20, and 21-year-old Braiyer Gonzalez Ali, of Fullerton Village, left on a fishing trip on board the vessel named Amanda. Neither they nor the vessel has been seen since
Days after they disappeared, National Security Minister Fitzgerald Hinds told Parliament the fishermen had reportedly gone into an area known as “Green Bush” in Venezuelan territory.
Hunters Search and Rescue Team captain Vallence Rambharat said he spoke to the minister at the request of the families on Monday and an officer from the ministry who was involved in last year’s repatriation from Venezuela of the body of another fisherman, Rishi Khemchan.
He said the officer indicated that it would be a lengthy process.
“The only evidence we have is the nexus between the jersey that he left home in and the jersey that was clad on the body that was found. On that basis, representation will be made to the authorities in Venezuela to determine a few things. First, where is the body located at this point in time? Secondly was the body claimed by anyone in Venezuela and what can be done after that, in terms of DNA testing whether in Trinidad or Venezuela?” Rambharat said.
He said he was unable to verify reports that an autopsy was performed on the body in Venezuela and foul play is suspected.
Cintra Seepaul said the family is sure the body was her uncle’s based on the clothing.
She thanked the Hunters Search and Rescue Team for their assistance, and added: “We really need the push. We need something to be done. Look how long now, it’s going on two months, nothing doing at all.”
Seepaul said the police have been checking with relatives almost every day.
“It is so hard for everyone,” she said.
The families of the fishermen will be holding a candlelight vigil on Saturday starting with a procession from the home of Shiva Seepersad to Fullerton Beach at 5.30 pm.