–plans afoot to challenge matter in court

SOME speedboat operators plying the Parika to Wakenaam and Supenaam route are up in arms against a decision to change a longstanding “turn” system that manages the operation of boat transportation in that location.
Word is that a legal challenge is looming, but the controlling authorities are adamant that not only is the existing system unfair to new boat applicants who are having a difficult time getting into the trade, but it would also be unsafe to allow existing boat operators to wantonly sell their boats and “turn” slots.

Members of the Parika, Wakenaam, Supenaam Speedboat Association have since sought legal advice from Attorney-at-law, Anil Nandlall and are threatening court action to prevent the Maritime Administration Department (MARAD), the authority responsible for boat operations and safety in the country, from changing the “turn” system and disallowing the sale of slots.
Under the previous People’s Progressive Party government, the “turn” system was established on somewhat of a ‘first come, first serve’ basis. And, given the number of passengers using the boat service, the system also catered for a specific number of operators, which is approximately 60 persons.
It was, however, pointed out that not only does this rule make it extremely difficult for new operators to get in on the trade, but it also allows for existing operators to control the route, resulting in the more than 60 operators alone owning and operating some 90 vessels.
According to reports, Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson, who has responsibility for maritime matters, supports the decision of MARAD to change the “turn” system in a bid to offer inclusiveness and increased safety on the waterways.
The Minister reportedly said that it is his understanding that boat operators who currently are in the trade but are considering leaving, would like to sell their boats as well as their “turn”, which acts as the authentic permission to conduct boat operations.
But, Patterson, however, views this as “unfair”, since there are other persons who have complained that for years now they have applied to become boat operators but cannot get in because of what seems to be a monopolised system.
The Minister went on to explain that a boat operator cannot sell his “turn”, since the new owner would still have to go through MARAD’s application and safety process before receiving the “turn” permission, let alone, commence the transportation of persons on the waterways. “What they the (operators) are asking is unfair and unsafe. It’s almost as if someone is issued a license to sell at the market and turns around to sell the license. That cannot be,” the Minister said.
“The new owners must go through the authority’s application process and observe the regulations.”
The speedboat operators are arguing however that the “turn” system has been in place for years, and that it has worked just fine for them. This, however, is despite numerous complaints and letters by passengers who say that the turn system causes delays, while travellers face difficulties with rude, sometimes unsafe and unprofessional operators.
On several occasions, Wakenaam residents called for the immediate removal of the “turn” system, on the grounds that operators were operating the long distances thus delaying passengers from the island who have to wait on them. That action, also causes problems for the sick, school children and business persons, among others.