Dear Editor,
Many years ago the Transport and Harbours vessel serving the North West District used to leave every Monday at 1pm. From then to now there have been many changes in terms of the departure of this vessel, the MV Kimbia. I do appreciate the return of 1pm every Thursday, but there are a few things that bother the passengers and which have been going on for quite a long time.
People from all parts of Guyana go to catch the MV Kimbia. If you manage to get there around nine o’clock in the morning, you will have to wait until it is 12.30 before you can join the vessel, and the bond where the passengers wait is very hot. There are no fans, no water and not many seats to accommodate the waiting passengers.
Years ago when you arrived at the wharf, you purchased all your tickets and embarked on the vessel immediately. There was no rush whereby you lost your baggage, or you misplaced a box or two, or your children were left at the back. Nowadays many times you do not find places to tie your hammock, all the seats are filled and you have to lie on the floor of the ship.
The MV Kimbia is supposed to have two rudders, but it has been working with only one for the longest while, and this is dangerous. Having both rudders would help to steady the ship in high seas. This ship sometimes ends up in the bush alongside the river bank as it winds its way to the city, and this takes up a lot of time.
Yours faithfully,
Michael Hope
Editor’s note
We are sending a copy of this letter to Mr Kevin Trim, the General Manager of Transport and Harbours for any comments he might wish to make.
