PORT-OF-SPAIN, Trinidad (AP):
The mother of two Trinidadian fishermen kidnapped and taken to Venezuela last week appealed yesterday for their safe return.
A sobbing Kaloutie Heeralal, 53, said in an interview on Cable News Channel 3 that she didn't have the US$15,000 demanded by the kidnappers who offered to exchange the men for ransom along the Tucupita river in eastern Venezuela.
"I am praying for them to come back to me," Heeralal said.
Her sons Allan Heeralal, 23, and Balchan Heeralal, 27, were fishing with two other men on December 15 when their boat was hijacked and taken to the South American nation, said Police Commissioner Trevor Paul.
The hijackers released the two other men with the ransom demand and later contacted the boat's owner, who was allowed to speak with one of the brothers, Paul said.
He further said that Trinida-dian authorities have requested assistance from Venezuelan police and Interpol.
Authorities in Trinidad and Tobago, a twin-island nation of some 1 million people, have reported more than 60 kidnappings for ransom this year - about double last year's total.
