COMMENDING Budget 2025 for designating funds for an additional vessel from Parika to Supenaam, Region Two Chairperson, Vilma De Silva, has said that the initiative will reduce the lengthy wait times, promote tourism, and strengthen the economy.
In an exclusive interview with the Guyana Chronicle, De Silva shared that there are currently three vessels operating on the Parika to Supenaam route but due to significant development in the country, an increasing number of people are travelling for the purpose of business, leisure, or shopping on the West Coast of Demerara, in the capital city, or to other regions.
According to her, “With the increasing development of Guyana and specifically Region Two, people are travelling on a daily basis, whether for work, business, or leisure, and most of them are travelling with their vehicles.
“Times are changing, and people are no longer waiting on holidays to travel in their large numbers to Essequibo. Every day the boats are packed with vehicles and people, especially on the weekends.”
De Silva further stated that as the region flourishes in all sectors, locals and international tourists are gravitating to the area because of the various resorts, lakes, and tourism destinations as well as agriculture.
She added that with an upsurge of people in the region, the benefits extend beyond just the resorts and tourist sites. According to her, restaurants, taxis, hire car operators, market vendors, shopkeepers, supermarkets, and various other businesses are also experiencing positive impacts.
The regional official said: “The people in Region Two have always been known for their simplicity and hospitality. A region where people can come, relax, and enjoy the safety and tranquillity of what we have to offer here.
“I am grateful that this new vessel can complement the other vessels and the development of this region, where Guyanese, especially Essequibians, can benefit directly. We must say thank you to His Excellency Dr. Irfaan Ali and Minister Edghill for delivering on our request.”
As she reflected on the difficulties encountered by farmers under the opposition’s leadership, De Silva emphasised that with the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) government’s investment in a new vessel, they will no longer have to worry about their produce spoiling at the Supenaam stelling before it could reach consumers in Parika or Georgetown.
She also stated that the limited and overcrowded trips made by the two or sometimes one vessel during 2015-2020 period, resulted in farmers incurring thousands of dollars in losses.
Meanwhile, Minister of Public Works, Bishop Juan Edghill, while contributing to the Budget Debate on Wednesday said the enhancement of river connectivity and the acquisition of new vessels will cater to the substantial number of people and vehicles that frequently traverse the waterways for work, business, or leisure.
He said there will be three new wooden cargo boats to service the Pomeroon, Berbice, and Northwest channels and new vessels for the Parika to Supenaam route in Region Two. Additionally, he also informed the House about the completion of works on the MV Makouria, MV Malali, MV Kananwan, and MV Sabanto.
Minister Edghill also noted that with a budget that is focused on the needs of the people, they will ensure that the dredging of the Demerara River channels is finalised, along with the removal of wrecks and obstructions from both the Essequibo and Demerara rivers. This, according to him, is essential and equally significant for guaranteeing the safe passage of larger vessels.