WIDER market access and a boost in economic growth are on the horizon for at least three CARICOM members states: Guyana, Trinidad and Tobago and Barbados. These are likely to be achieved when the much anticipated regional ferry service becomes operational.
Based on the recent comments of Guyana’s President, Dr. Irfaan Ali, the final arrangements are being made and the service will become available sometime in the near future.
Many of us may not understand or appreciate the impact this collaborative effort will have on the economies of the participating states and their population. This is a good initiative which should be supported and embraced.
Good trade relations are essential for economic growth and sustainability. It is good for the prosperity of CARICOM states and the region as a whole.
A ferry service of the kind presently under consideration will no doubt make the transport of goods easier and more economically viable, particularly for small business owners and farmers who have decided to expand production but do not have a market for it. It could become a major contributor to the reduction of the region’s food import bill which is a goal all CARICOM heads have committed to working towards.
Guyana has a major role in the introduction of this ferry service and will see the modernisation and expansion of existing infrastructure to accommodate the offloading and arrival of cargo.
This ferry service will be based at Parika, Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara), an established port in Guyana.
President Ali has indicated the government’s commitment to making the necessary upgrades to this port which is already a major transport and logistic hub providing much needed services to the people of Regions Two and Three and Bartica. Over the years, the operations there have been expanded to accommodate the increase in passengers and cargo traffic.
Many farmers sell their produce at that port which is popularly known for its market-like atmosphere particularly on Sundays.
Having the regional ferry there will create a lot of networking opportunities for farmers; for example, those who have hundreds of pounds of ginger and are seeking larger markets for their produce.
Guyana takes pride in its agricultural sector and the ferry service will perhaps inspire farmers to increase their yield so as to service both the local and regional market. We here in Guyana have the potential to feed the entire region with wholesome, organic produce.
Hence, the introduction of this ferry service, provides the perfect opportunity for all producers – from the small community farmer to the big companies to export their goods to Trinidad and Tobago and Barbados and hopefully further afield when the benefits of the ferry service are realised and a decision is taken to extend it to other parts of the region.
Both Trinidad and Tobago and Barbados have products that they can import into Guyana. Many of these are already on Guyanese supermarket shelves and in markets.
The idea of the ferry service is an excellent one. It is a sound investment that has the potential to significantly enhance agricultural trade and reduce the region’s substantial food import expenses by 25 per cent in the coming year. Kudos to the architects of this brilliant master plan.
