Safety and security of the populace have always been priorities for Government, and the administration is in the process of upgrading and enhancing its marine assets. The Ministry of Public Works and Communications is working with the Chinese Government to acquire two new vessels to ply the Essequibo and North West routes. These will replace the MV Kimbia.

Kimbia and Barima will be in operation until the new vessel is acquired. The Ministry is awaiting the specification, funding and the design for a vessel for the North West District.

Recently the Stabroek News carried an editorial stating that the present state of the Kimbia poses a danger to life and limb, considering the cramped conditions on board.

“I want to condemn the type of reporting which is done. The carrion crow journalism which seems to want to talk and to create fear all the time, saying that bad things will happen and that we are allowing these things to happen, I want to reject that thesis,” Minister of Transport and Hydraulics Robeson Benn said.

Minster Benn added that there is no situation which exists within the Transport and Harbours Department (T&HD) that will risk the loss of lives or operating assets.

Management he stated, has worked hard to significantly enhance the operations and the assets of the Ministry of Public Works and Communications.

“The department deserves some recognition for its effort,” Minster Benn said and noted, “If there are issues and there are always issues with respect to ongoing or day to day management or issues which could be raised to discuss, we are free to discuss those issues.”

The Transport and Hydraulics Minister noted there are some things which are written in the media that are highly disputable and it will only be fair for the media to contact the Management and for firsthand information.

“Any issue I am prepared to discuss,” he said.

Moreover, management was advised to have all toilets upgraded on all T&HD vessels to a certain standard. This followed many complaints of the stench of the toilets on the vessels.

Passengers and freight being carried to and from the North West District have almost doubled within a year. Additionally, the service to Port Kaituma has resumed and the business community and the traveling public have applauded the Ministry’s effort to provide this service. (GINA)