VICE-PRESIDENT Bharrat Jagdeo has urged the business community in Region Two to explore the possibility of launching a private ferry service.

This suggestion was made in response to a complaint from a local businessman about the prolonged time the current ferry takes to moor at the wharf.

Dr Jagdeo held a special meeting with the business community during a recent outreach to the region. He was accompanied by Senior Minister in the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance and the Public Service, Dr Ashni Singh; Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Sonia Praag; Minister within the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development, Anand Persaud, and Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha.

Dr. Jagdeo, in his response, encouraged the sizeable gathering of entrepreneurs to collaborate and establish the privately-owned ferry service.

Meanwhile, as he addressed the business community, he assured the members that the government was willing to offer incentives, including waiving duties on the vessels if they decide to bring a ferry service into operation.

“If you get some businessmen to invest in this or form a company, we will give you tax-free status and assist you in other ways,” Jagdeo stated.

He emphasised that the venture does not have to be on a large scale. According to him, smaller, faster, and safe vessels would suffice.

The businessmen and women were assured of the government’s commitment to supporting such a private initiative.

Additionally, the VP said that the government was willing to work with the private sector to continue to expand the Region Two economy.

“We should explore this; we will remove the tax. So, get a group together, and we, the government, will support that,” Dr. Jagdeo reiterated.

He suggested that while the current ferry could continue to transport vehicles and cargo, the new private ferry could focus on carrying a few vehicles and the majority of passengers.

Additionally, the private service would be allowed to use the stelling for mooring.

The business community responded positively to the suggestion, with several businessmen already expressing interest in such a venture.

They said that additional river transportation in and out of the region will boost tourism and business.

Currently the tourism sector is growing with many tourists visiting the region on a regular basis.