PLANS already being implemented to upgrade and modernise Port Georgetown and dredge the Demerara Navigational Channel will, in the short-term, reduce the high charges shippers have been paying to transport goods in small quantities in and out of Guyana because of the shallow draught of the channel.This is heartening news for owners of both small and large cargo vessels and shipping terminals in Port Georgetown, Berbice and Essequibo, as well as bulk exporters and others who use the main rivers for transportation purposes.

According to Minister of Public Infrastructure David Patterson, a brand new dredger will be purchased to dredge and maintain the channel, rivers and creeks. The deepening of these rivers will facilitate in-country movement of lumber, stone, sand, consumer goods and people from the interior regions to the coast.

“No longer will their passengers be delayed while they wait for high tides to sail. They will lose fewer markets as a result of those delays, and the complaints lodged by our value-added wood producers, including sawmillers, joiners and makers of doors, decking, furniture and other products are sure to diminish,” Patterson explained.

Meanwhile, he underscored that plans are afoot for the restructuring and rehabilitation of wharves and stellings.
“A new ferry will be acquired to ply the Parika-North West District route. Already Berbicians have begun to benefit from the introduction of river launches crossing the Berbice River between Rosignol and New Amsterdam. Parents of school-aged children and the elderly can now cross the river free of cost, and frequent passengers, including students of the University of Guyana’s Tain campus, are saving money by avoiding the high tolls they had been paying to cross the mile-long Berbice Bridge,” Minister Patterson emphasised.

Depending on the outcome of the government’s negotiations with the Berbice Bridge Company, Patterson said another passenger/vehicle ferry may be reintroduced to this crossing after the Rosignol and N/A stellings and gantries are replaced.

PORT MASTER PLAN
In addition, he noted that the rehabilitation of the Lighthouse and replacement of navigational lights, buoys and other equipment are on the ministry’s agenda.
The Marine Administration Department (MARAD) has placed on their work programme a number of deep water projects including new harbours and will intensify their training schedules for boat and ferry captains and crews. This is part of a Port Master Plan that will be implemented in a phased manner for the benefit of both national and international marine traffic.

Tourism boost
This move, Patterson noted, “would also boost the tourism sector and encourage the growth of the arts and craft industry since the deeper draught will allow large cruise ships to berth at Port Georgetown…. “These facilities are extremely important to our local manufacturers and exporters as well. Their products are likely to become more competitive in local and overseas markets. In addition, more Guyanese will be encouraged to establish indigenous value-added enterprises due to less costly and easier access to markets in the Caribbean, and farther afield. All sea and river defence works will be consolidated under the ministry’s new Coastal Protection Unit.” (Rabindra Rooplall)