Minister Edghill meets with boat operators

ALTHOUGH the government acknowledges and appreciates the important contributions of water taxi owners, operators, and stakeholders in providing public transportation in Guyana, Minister of Public Works, Bishop Juan Edghill, has made it clear that they will not tolerate exploitation or jeopardizing the safety of Guyanese citizens.

Minister Edghill disclosed that on Tuesday he met with boat operators at various locations, including the Parika Stelling in Region Three, Bartica in Region Seven, and Supenaam in Region Two, to discuss the importance of adhering to safety standards and fair pricing practices.

According to Minister Edghill, “First and foremost, let me say that President Ali and his administration respect and value the significant contribution that owners and operators of water taxis make towards the transportation industry in our country. This is a service that we value and one that people rely on on a daily basis. We also recognise that without that service, the lives and businesses of people would be interrupted.”

Minister Edghill emphasised that all water taxis must comply with specific requirements outlined in their licences. He personally took the time to thoroughly explain and remind each group of operators about the importance of adhering to these criteria at all times.

SAFETY
Minister Edghill stressed to the water taxi operations that the safety of passengers, particularly women, children, and the elderly, is always the government’s top priority.

“The criteria for these operators and owners aren’t anything new; they know that they must ensure that their boats are properly examined so that the people who are using these boats, whether our local Guyanese or tourists, do not have to feel uneasy, or scared because of it cutting off in the ocean or them having to exchange into rescue boats in the middle of the river. We are ensuring that the inspections, the licensing, the compliance, and the overall control of the boats are maintained so that people feel safe while travelling. We are also asking the boat operators to clean their life vests so that they are well maintained and properly sanitised for the people,” the minister explained.

NO INCREASE IN BOAT FARES
Minister Edghill addressed the false rumors about boat price hikes, clarifying that the Guyana government has not announced any increase in water taxi fares or public transportation costs. He also emphasised that those who overcharge passengers will face legal consequences.

“We found that some boat owners have taken it upon themselves to increase the fares, which were not authorised by anyone. This matter was raised in parliament; I addressed it already, and the government has not authorised the increase of fares for any of the transportation across the board, including the water taxis.”

He continued: “As a result of that, the demands from some boat owners and operators and the unwillingness of citizens to pay the increase in fares have led to daily abuse on our waterways, where women and children were treated very badly. The Bartica to Parika fare remains at 2,500, and from Parika to Supenaam, the fare remains at 1,300.”

The Minister of Public Works is urging water taxi operators and all public transportation operators to treat everyone with the same care and consideration they would give their own family. “We, as Guyanese, know better; we are known for being hospitable people, and we cannot allow a few bad herrings to influence our behaviours. The very people who you are not always kind to are the ones that support you by travelling in your transportation; they contribute to putting food on your table. This goes both ways, and as a government and as your minister responsible for transportation in the country, I am asking of us to make a change for the better.”

The Public Works Minister emphasised that the government will not remain passive in the face of mistreatment of its citizens. Minister Edghill reiterated his intent to personally meet with these operators in order to urgently inspect all the boats and ensure the responsible inspectors and officials carry out thorough examinations for safety. “We are taking measures to ensure that the captains of these boats possess valid licences and that the enforcement of these licences is upheld.”

Minister Edghill, in his communication with the Guyana Chronicle, underscored the importance of boat operators adhering to a ‘turn system’ to ensure that every individual has a chance to profit from their investment. Nonetheless, he clarified that certain individuals who possess multiple boats have artificially increased the numbers in some systems. Consequently, MARAD and the registrar of friendly societies must collaborate to revive the association. “At Supenaam, we would put in some improvements that we would have done at Vreed-En-Hoop and Stabroek, and there is a floatation device where we would install the shades so that when it rains, people can board the boats without getting wet.”