MERE months after it was voted out of office the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) is now calling for a reduction in the cost to use the Essequibo ferry service, some which it had ignored saying it was supporting the call by a small group of residents of Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) who ply the Supenaam–Parika route.“The PPP maintains its position that there must be equitable distribution of resources and wealth across the country and therefore insists that the David Granger administration forthwith reduce the ferry fares,” the party said in a statement. Observers say that the PPP was engaging in petty politics and was behind the calls by a few residents urging a reduction of the fares.
The party said the call for a reduction in the cost to use the Essequibo ferry is a just one, since the ferries are owned and operated by the State. The cost to cross the Berbice River Bridge return with a minibus and 15 passengers is $1,900, while the same minibus with 15 passengers pays $7,680 to cross with the ferry from Supenaam to Parika and back, the PPP stated. “A significant reduction in these fares will no doubt have a positive impact on businesses as well as the farming community, the poor and vulnerable in Region 2,” the PPP added.
Further, the PPP said it supports the call for the establishment of an oversight committee made up of primarily residents in good standing of Region 2, to oversee a total review of the operations of the two vessels, inclusive of their schedule. This review must take into consideration the need to give priority at all times to vehicles transporting perishable items, as well as those transporting the sick, elderly and the disabled, the party stated.
According to the PPP, this review must also take into consideration allegations of favouritism, discrimination, bribery and corruption by persons employed at the Transport and Harbours Department levelled by those who utilise the ferries on a constant basis. These complaints and allegations have been around for years and were never addressed by the PPP in its 23 years in government.

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