by Barista Uno | Nov 1, 2011 | Piracy and Security, Seafarers' Rights and Welfare
Today, All Saints Day, the roads leading to the cemeteries were clogged as millions of Catholic Filipinos paid homage to their dear departed. Flowers were laid, candles lit and prayers recited. For many, it was also an occasion for a graveside family picnic. As we watched the spectacle, an odd blend of piety and merrymaking, an idea flashed in our mind: why not a memorial for those killed at sea by pirates? If the UN is erecting a new memorial for the victims of slavery, why not one for the victims of piracy? (more…)
by Barista Uno | Oct 27, 2011 | Piracy and Security
Yesterday, the ITF (International Transport Workers’ Federation) made public a very important letter dated 9th September 2011. It was written by David Heindel, Chairman of the ITF Seafarers’ Section, to the US Navy’s Admiral James Stavridis, Supreme Allied Commander for Europe. We are reproducing Mr Heindel’s letter together with Admiral Stavridis’ reply. The communication between the two gentlemen leaves no doubt that steps are being taken behind the scenes – quietly, patiently – to minimise if not eliminate the Somali piracy problem. There is hope. (more…)
by Barista Uno | Oct 4, 2011 | Piracy and Security
Yesterday, International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) chairman Spyros M Polemis made a strident call at the Maritime Cyprus conference in Limassol for greater naval presence to counter Somali pirate attacks. He said governments had ceded control of Somali waters and the Indian Ocean to pirates and that the small deployment of naval forces to the region was “like putting a band-aid on a gaping wound.” For sure, his message struck a sympathetic chord – especially amongst shipowners who hate paying for private armed guards to protect their ships. (more…)
by Barista Uno | Sep 29, 2011 | Piracy and Security
By James Canning Sr
Mr Canning Sr is president of FTS – Maritime Security, a US professional security agency that provides anti-piracy escorts for the protection of commercial shipping. In this guest article, he outlines a proposal aimed at achieving a more vigorous and orchestrated response to Somali piracy.
Companies don’t want to pay, they want the UN to pay. The UN stands behind combating piracy, but it doesn’t want to pay.
It has been proven many times over that when governments get involved, it costs more and takes longer. (more…)
by Barista Uno | Sep 22, 2011 | Piracy and Security
Our intellect must have gone on sabbatical. IMO says World Maritime Day 2011 will be observed from 26th to 30th September. The exact date is left to individual governments but at the IMO headquarters in London, it’s on the 29th. We don’t get it. Why call it “Day” when we’re talking here of a week? This year’s theme is “Piracy: Orchestrating the Response”. It’s apropos given the upward spiral of Somali piracy attacks, and it has a nice ring to it. We’re reminded of the London Symphony Orchestra or the Berlin Philharmonic. What we’d like to know is, who’s the conductor? (more…)
