– ushering in tourism, agriculture boost

AFTER a 13-year hiatus, residents of Fort Island, Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara) are now benefitting from the reintroduction of the ferry service which began on August 27.

The MV Malali will service Fort Island in Region Three.

The reintroduction of the ferry service was made possible following the President, Dr. Irfaan Ali-led People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) administration’s $82 million investment that saw the construction of a new stelling on the island.

The return of the ferry service is also the fulfilment of a commitment made by government upon completion of the stelling back in May.

Fort Island is home to about 95 persons and over 200 persons from the catchment areas.

Agriculture is one of the island’s main economic activities, which includes farming and fishing.

With the ferry now back in service, persons will not only be able get their produce to the market, but also sell to persons who stop with the ferry on the island.

The island, which is also a major tourist destination, is home to Fort Zeelandia which was built in 1744. It is also home to the Court of Policy, a Dutch Heritage Museum which is the only one of its kind in Guyana.

It is one of the stops on many of the circuit tours in the Essequibo River. Government has already signalled its commitment to further develop the tourism circuit in the Essequibo region.

Transport and Harbour’s General Manager Marcelene Merchant disclosed that “every Saturday while on its way to Bartica, the ferry would make stops to the Fort Island stelling, whether it is to drop off or to pick up passengers or their cargo and also on the return from Bartica on Sundays, the ferry would also stop at Fort Island.”

However, the general manager noted that systems are in place should the need arise for the ferry to stop during the week.

“If there are any special request [sic] during the week–because the ferry don’t usually stop during the week– but if there are any special [reasons] to stop and do any pick up or drop off, well then we will be more than happy to facilitate that,” she stated.

As it relates to cost, adults will pay $100 from Parika to Fort Island and children $60. For adults from Bartica to Fort Island, the fare will be $420 for adults and $220 for children. (DPI)