THE MB Tamakay, seen here Saturday on the Waini River, has begun operations along the rivers of the North West District. To put the vessel into operation, some $100 million was spent; it will be used to respond to piracy and other crimes in the region. The idea of floating police stations was agreed to by the Police, Army, the Guyana Revenue Authority, the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit and the Guyana Energy Agency. Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo, performing the duties of President, on Saturday led a team of government officials to the Waini Point area in the North West District on a tour of the vessel. He was accompanied by Minister of Indigenous People’s Affairs Sydney Allicock, Minister of Communities Ronald Bulkan and Minister within the Ministry of indigenous People’s Affairs, Valerie Garrido-Lowe, along with several officials of the Joint Services, including Commander of ‘F’ Division of the Guyana Police Force , Rabindranath Budhram .  Budhram told members of the media that 12 officers will be on board and there will be a one- month change-over of the ranks to prevent complacency. The vessel is equipped with a smaller craft which will be powered by two lighter engines.

(Alva Solomon photo)