Dear Editor,
With regard to the article published in your daily on Wednesday, November 19, headlined ‘Delays at Berbice crossing as second ferry goes down,’ I would like to observe it is a great disappointment that as the year 2008 comes to a close, we commuters have to undergo high levels of stress in addition to what we already have. We have accepted the fact that, to cross the Berbice River we will have to wait our turn, especially now that there is only one ferry working.
Nevertheless, do we have to accept the level of corruption that takes place daily at the stellings at Rosignol and New Amsterdam? Senior personnel of Transport and Harbours Department are at these locations daily. Do they not see the level of bribery and unscrupulous behaviour that is taking place?
Who should we the commuters complain to while we wait our turn in the line only to find out that spaces are being sold in front of us for between $5,000 and $10,000; staff collect monies from persons and allow them to cross ahead of others, claiming that it is a priority crossing; and minibuses cut into the line with no one around to take action.
The police are of no help to stop this lawlessness. It is as though they are turning a blind eye since these drivers are their friends or maybe they are being compensated for not doing anything about the minibuses.
How much longer do we have to wait and tolerate this level of lawlessness before the long awaited Berbice Bridge is completed, while a few profit from our discomfort? Who should we complain to? Please do not ask us to provide evidence of these claims. All you need to do is travel to New Amsterdam as an ordinary commuter and you will have the evidence you need.
Yours faithfully,
Michael Goolsarran
