THE Justice for the Unjust, a non-governmental organisation (NGO), does not want the coalition government to subsidise the Berbice Bridge.Instead, it wants the administration to use the monies it has set aside for that purpose to assist persons whose limited contributions to the National Insurance Scheme (NIS) prevent them from benefiting from the programme.
Further, the recently registered NGO is calling for the bridge toll reduction, while advocating the return of a ‘roll on, roll off’ ferry,  which will benefit the New Amsterdam township economically.
The group aired their views as they carried out a peaceful protest at the Berbice River Bridge last Friday, calling on management, the Berbice Bridge Company Inc (BCCI) “to come clean with the records.”
According to Vice-Chairman Ishmael King, “The feasibility study showed if the bridge had been built along the East Bank, it would have cost less, about half of what it costs now to travel; all the villages along the East Bank would have benefited…”
He had quite a mouthful more to say on the matter. “We’re calling on the coalition government not to give subsidy to the bridge; instead, the subsidy should be given to the old-aged persons, who short benefits and short contributions so that they can get a pension, because fewer persons are living to get a pension,” King said, adding:
“We are advocating for the return of a ‘roll on, roll off’ ferry, so that persons in New Amsterdam can be better off, as, since the bridge is situated at Palmyra, it is killing economic development… New Amsterdam is a town, the boat allowed for the flourishing of business in Berbice’s oldest  township.
“With the bridge at its present location, New Amsterdam is bypassed, resulting in deprivation. Previously, with the ferry  in operation, students, along with daily travellers  were privileged to buy a contract,  for an affordable sum, from  the Transport and Harbours Department, but currently, there is no such choice. They have to pay in excess [of] about a $1,000 dollars per day.”
BENEFIT FOR THE RICH
Further, the group noted that while giving credit for the bridge,the structure was mainly for the benefit of the rich and the elite, as no provision was made for the pedestrian, or the cyclist.
“The  underprivileged are not allowed to walk over the bridge, nor ride a bicycle, so one can see this bridge was built to benefit the  rich people, and the elite.”
However, Chairman Dion Thomas, while agreeing with his members, digressed and issued a call for Minister Simona Broomes  to visit Region 6, where the issues of underpayment and exploitation of  employees are high.
“From Crabwood Creek to New Amsterdam females are working at supermarkets from 7am  to 10pm, and are not being paid any overtime monies. Minister Broomes, come here and rectify the affairs here.”
Another member, Shannon Gopaul, reiterated the call for the removal of the labour officer, (name given) who is suspected to be “in bed” with the business operators.
Last week, the NGO took to the streets of New Amsterdam and protested in front of the Regional Democratic Council where they  called for the removal of the lone labour officer in Region 6 (East Berbice/ Corentyne).
The group noted that  whenever an employee airs  a grievance, with respect to underpayment, being overworked, being physically or sexually assaulted, denied lunch breaks, non-payment of workers’ contributions to the National Insurance Scheme, amongst others, the complaints are not addressed.
Instead the labour officer would inform the respective employer of the complainant and the worker would be fired. As a result some persons have lost confidence in the officer and are calling for his removal.
“So many people not finding jobs, and they got a man there who already attain the age of retirement still seated in the position. Imagine a large region like this, they only got one labour officer. They should appoint at least four officers, who can effectively address the concerns of the labour force,” workers complained.