WITH reference to the article captioned ‘Hero seaman recalls risky boat cruise’ penned in Kaieteur News dated Sunday March 30, 2014. As a boat cruise fan, I would like to denounce all the false allegations made by Mr October and to say what really took place.For your information, the cruise on Easter Sunday, 2009 was from Parika to Bartica and not Supenaam. At no time was the M.V. Makouria, which was the boat used, in danger of sailing into any Atlantic ocean. That cruise was a very enjoyable cruise without any negative incidents; it left and arrived on time. Why would Mr Robert Ferrier, who was the captain of the vessel on that day, allow a civilian, such as the likes of Mr Hugh Brian ‘Magic’ October, to enter the wheelhouse to steer and turn the M.V. Makouria out of troubled waters? To my knowledge, Mr October is not a holder of any ship steering license but he was a cook on a cruise ship many years ago.

It is very surprising that the Transport and Harbours Department and Captain Ferrier would allow Mr October to bring their reputation into repute by tarnishing the competence of the crew and not say anything to refute such lies being peddled by the likes of ‘Magic’.

Ms Marcia Merchant, the Deputy General Manager, at that time and Ms Hughes, the Traffic Manager were on board as well. Do you honestly think such an incident could have occurred with boat slamming into wharf and only one drunken young man in the wheelhouse with no captain to be found and the authorities did not put a ban on all future cruises?

Oh please! This seems to be the workings of some mischief makers who are up to no good and wants to put a damper on the much anticipated Easter Sunday Boat Cruise for their own selfish reasons. Why after five years Mr Magic suddenly decided that he will tell his story?
I know numerous friends and family both overseas and in Guyana who have made this Easter Sunday Boat Cruise a much anticipated annual event which they enjoy to their fullest. I would like to know how someone could just come with a story such as this and no one took the time to clarify the information with the relevant authorities before highlighting it in the media.
SAMANTHA BRYAN
Boat Cruise Fan