RESIDENTS of Region 2 (Pomeroon-Supenaam) are complaining that they are not benefiting from the reduction in the cost for gasoline and diesel in terms of travelling cost, and are calling on Government to intervene.Residents said although Government has announced the reduction in the cost of gasoline and diesel some weeks ago, transportation cost in the region still remains the same.

According to one resident the cost to travel from Supenaam to Anna Regina is still $700 and from Charity to Supenaam the fare remains at $2,000. He added that the short drop fare is still $100.
Another resident who travelled via the Supenaam-Parika speed boat service said he asked a captain why the fare is still $1,300 when the Government has announced a drop in the cost of gasoline and diesel. He said the boat captain became annoyed over his question and pointed to a gas station at Supenaam saying, “When da bass over deh drop he price den we gon drop.”
Meanwhile, residents are calling on the relevant authorities to take action to introduce measures so that drivers and operators of minibuses, hire cars and speed boats will comply and reduce their fares so residents can benefit.
In the Pomeroon the cost for travelling with private speed boats is still very expensive despite the reduction in the cost for gasoline. Residents are also calling for a reduction in the fare.
Last week Region 2 Chairman, Mr. Parmanand Persaud, who wants the fare to be lowered, said he had planned to meet with the executive members of the minibus and hire cars association to discuss the reduction in fares. According to the Chairman he waited for the members to turn up at the meeting on Friday but they never came. The Chairman said he rescheduled the meeting for Saturday morning in his office and still the executive members did not turn up for the meeting to discuss the reduction in fares.

BIG-BUS SERVICE
Some residents said they are very happy with Government’s announcement that it will reintroduce the big bus service on the road. They said further that the Government must be commended for working in the interest of all Guyanese. Essequibians are also very thankful to the Government for reducing the cost for gasoline, diesel and kerosene. And they are also happy that Government through GPL is seeking to reduce the cost for electricity. (Rajendra Prabhulall)