We the commuters of the Berbice River Ferry (MV Torani) would like to voice our plight on what life is like for some of us and yet we don’t know what is yet to come – there is so much talk going around.

All is not well for many of us. While the bridge is of advantage for some of us it is of distress for those of us who cannot afford the fare to and from our destination on a daily basis especially where or place of employment is the sore point. Then what about the young ones who travel across the river to gain an education?

There are many issues in our minds. Can someone please turn an ear to them? And here are only some for instance:

* the cost of using the bridge for adults and school children on a daily basis.

* is there anyone thinking what it is like to be fleeced (demanded) by the minibus owners/operators of a fare of $500 and even $1,000 to get across the Berbice River Bridge after certain hours and on holidays when the ferry is not in operation?

– What about sitting in a minibus and watching a 12 to 16-year-old child taking out $200 and $300 from his/her pocket just to get across the Berbice River. I have seen this happen more than once and my heart goes out to those children. Why? Because part of that money must have been their snack or lunch money, compare this with $60 using the ferry.

What about taking out $12,000 to $14,000 from a pay packet of $45,000 and less for travelling, using the Berbice River Bridge?

Is there anyone concerned about the situation, the cries from the lower income bracket, also in a situation where employment is scarce in rural areas, and one has to seek employment where available?

Would there be opportunities opening up for the many closer to our homes (rural areas)?

Can families go on without earning a salary because they cannot afford the high fare to and from their place of employment across the river? Can some of us survive on the small amount left from the already small amount?

Are we the parents going to wake up one morning and cannot afford food for our tables because one-third of one’s earning is used up on just travelling?

How is life going to go on, it is so much and is becoming unbearable?

I urge you Mr. President that a survey be done along the West Coast of Berbice taking into consideration these and others not said or mentioned, in order to know how lives are being affected and the reasons behind the scenario. It is not all good for many of us.

I along with others using the M.V Torani beg that something be done to keep this ferry going. Also a schedule be put in place so that those of us depending on its use can live together with the rest of the citizens that can afford the use of the Berbice River Bridge.
COMMUTERS