One fisherman’s worry, captured in a recent report, was blunt

Fishermen across Trinidad and Tobago are voicing growing concerns that they may be mistaken for drug runners in the midst of heightened regional tensions. With increased naval activity and a stronger focus on trafficking routes, many worry that innocent livelihoods could become unintended targets.

One fisherman’s worry, captured in a recent report, was blunt: “So what if they take us for runners and shoot or bomb us?” The statement reflects a broader unease that ordinary seafarers could be swept into conflicts they have no part in.

Gary Aboud, Corporate Secretary of Fishermen and Friends of the Sea (FFOS), has long highlighted the dangers faced by local fishermen, from piracy and accidents to law enforcement encounters. He has repeatedly called for better protection and clearer communication from authorities to ensure that those working the seas are not confused with those exploiting them for illegal trafficking.

On social media, opinions remain divided. Some, like political activist Phillip Edward Alexander, argued that only those tied to the drug trade should have reason to fear. But for many coastal communities, the risk is real: fishermen often work in the same waters where traffickers move, with little visibility or protection to distinguish themselves.

The issue underscores a pressing challenge for Trinidad and Tobago. Protecting fishermen means more than reassurances — it demands coordinated policies, better maritime surveillance, and a recognition that those who depend on the sea for survival should not live in constant fear.

As Aboud and FFOS have stressed, fishermen are not criminals. They are providers, feeding families and communities. In uncertain times, their safety must remain a national priority.