Benn apologises for delay but announces July start
MINISTER of Transport, Robeson Benn, has reported that the two new ferries from China will be put into operation between Parika, in Region 3 (Essequibo Islands/West Demerara) and Good Hope in Region 2 (Pomeroon/Supenaam) during the first week of July. Speaking at the 46th Independence Anniversary flag-raising ceremony, at Anna Regina, Essequibo Coast, on Saturday, he acknowledged there were unfortunate delays in the construction of the roll-on-roll-off facilities at both Parika and Good Hope stellings for the new state-of-the-art vessels that are, currently, docked in the Demerara River.
The Minister apologised to the nation, for the delay in putting the boats into operation.
He said they will make a great difference in the lives of Essequibians and travelling between Good Hope and Parika more comfortable.
Benn said the delivery of the ferries is another promise fulfilled by the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government to Guyanese.
He recalled that the PPP Government, led by the late Father of the Nation and Premier, in the 1950s and 1960s, Dr. Cheddi Jagan built the m.v. Malali and other ferry boats are still in service.
Benn said the PPP/C Government, after it came to power in October 1992, developed the country from the poor state in which it was and is, once again, putting state-of-the-art ferries into operation between Good Hope, where a new modern stelling with offices was constructed, and Parika.
Scores of Essequibians, who heard the announcement by the Minister, said they are happy that the ferries will begin to operate in July and are looking forward to using the services.
Many young people said they are excited and are eager to travel in the new ferries.
Many others said the new ferries and stellings are part of the Government’s massive development programme across the country.
One woman, who did not give her name, claimed that, under the People’s National Congress (PNC) Government, the ferries operated on single engines, were never maintained and leaked like strainer whenever it rained and people had to cover with umbrellas while travelling.