THE reluctance of the BCCI to accept the toll reduction proposed by Government in the 2015 Budget which was to take effect by September 1, 2015 is indeed troubling, and while I do agree that consultations could have been held with BCCI about the proposed lowering of tolls through a Government subsidy prior to the Budget presentation, this issue raises the following concerns:(1) The BCCI’s stance is a wake-up call for much greater scrutiny of any future private/public sector infrastructure projects. Private interests and profits should never be the deciding factor in determining access of the citizens of Guyana to travel freely and conduct their business in a manner that is not a financial burden to them.
(2) The high cost of the BCCI bridge toll may well be one of the most compelling reasons for the lack of revenue and profits. However, responsibility for this has to be laid at the feet of the company, and those who negotiated such a deal.
(3) We know that due to the high costs of the Berbice Bridge toll, many citizens opt to use other means of travelling to and from Berbice, thereby leaking revenues for the BCCI.
(4) The Berbice Bridge toll has been an unequal and in effect discriminatory burden to the residents of Region 6, and one which falls much more heavily on vulnerable and poor families already finding it very difficult to make ends meet.
(5) If the impasse on this matter continues, and no solution is in sight for the burdened citizens of Region 6 and others, then bring back an improved ferry service.
(6) Lastly, and more importantly, the rights of citizens, including the constitutional rights of Guyanese, must never be held ransom to profit- making deals which bargains away rights, access of movement and travel for Guyanese citizens.
DANUTA RADZIK