The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is seeking an explanation from its counterparts in Suriname after nine Guyanese men were arrested by Surinamese soldiers and taken to the neighbouring country because they were fishing in the Corentyne river.

The incident reportedly took place on January 22 while the men from Orealla were fishing close to their village. They were accosted by members of the Surinamese military who took them 30 miles up river to Suriname, processed them then released them. They were made to paddle back for hours to their village.

The men have been identified as Armaan Edwards, Genovese Davair, Alistair Peneux, George Edwards, Ackley Felix, Bob Peneux, Rodrick Herman, Edward Herman and Clifton Edwards.

The Ministry of Indigenous Affairs said the men were using hooks and lines and were in small boats and canoes.

“Subsistence fishing is part of our Indigenous Peoples’ culture which has been practiced for centuries. In the Amerindian Village of Orealla/Siparuta, subsistence fishing forms a part of the Village life and economy. The Corentyne River is the Village’s sole source of fresh fish”, the statement said.

The issue was first reported to the Ministry of Indigenous Affairs and the Foreign Affairs ministry was immediately briefed. The probe continues.

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