THE government is providing free ferry transportation for citizens travelling to Fort Island along the Essequibo River for Guyana’s 60th Independence Anniversary celebrations.
Minister of Public Works Bishop Juan Edghill announced on Wednesday that persons travelling from Region Two will use the MV Kanawan, scheduled to depart at 18:00hrs on Monday for Fort Island.
For residents travelling from Regions Three, Four, Five, Six and 10, three separate vessels will depart Parika on Monday evening.
The first vessel is designated for VIPs and will leave at 19:00hrs. This vessel will accommodate government ministers, permanent secretaries, heads of agencies, representatives of partnering organisations and guests.
Minister Edghill noted that approximately 400 VIP passengers are expected aboard, while an additional 1,000 persons will be accommodated on the vehicle deck.
A second vessel will depart at 19:30hrs and is expected to cater primarily for passengers travelling from Regions Three, Four, Five, Six and 10.
The MV Konawaruk 1899 will depart Parika at 19:45hrs and has a capacity to transport approximately 2,500 passengers.
Persons will be able to park their vehicles at the National Track and Field Facility in Leonora, from where shuttle buses will transport passengers to Parika for departure. No vehicles will be permitted aboard the vessels.
“The Government of Guyana understands the dynamics of where we are; we are putting in place the arrangements to facilitate every Guyanese who would like to attend,” Minister Edghill stated.
The Ministry of Public Works is also collaborating with the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport and the Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce to provide entertainment and other amenities during the journey.
“What we will do is put live entertainment on the vessels while they are travelling…so the celebrations start before you reach Fort Island.”
Passengers can expect live steel pan and saxophone performances, singers and recorded music throughout the trip.
Food and drinks will also be available for purchase on board.
The minister further noted that two additional vessels will remain in operation to ensure regular transportation services continue uninterrupted for truckers, merchants and the movement of supplies.
“We could have only done this because of the visionary leadership of President Ali, who looked into the future and realised we need more boats, we need to prepare for the future of what Guyana would look like,” he stated
Minister Edghill also encouraged citizens to participate in the sunrise glorification service being held at State House on Monday at 06:00hrs. (DPI)