Speedboats should not be travelling at night between Parika and Supenaam

Dear Editor,

Mainly because of the inefficient way in which the Transport and Harbours Department ferries have been operating throughout the country, and with silted up channels, etc, ferries do not have departure times.

The speedboats plying the different routes in the Essequibo, Demerara and Berbice Rivers have proven to be more dependable, and some credit must be given to the various associations and some of the captains and crews of these boats.

The fare from Supenaam to Parika and from Parika to Bartica, is considered to be high by many. However, the service saves time as compared to the government ferries, and this influences the decisions as to which mode of transportation people use.

As for me, the speedboats are reasonably safe and comfortable during the day, while for others it may be the opposite, but what is important is that these boats must work within a regulatory framework drafted by the Ministry of Works in conjunction with the associations and the travelling public.

The cut-off time that was imposed on boats by the Harbour Master between Supenaam and Parika is no longer being adhered to; both the captains and owners of these boats are ignoring that clause under which their licences were issued. Instead of the monitor ensuring that boats cease to operate – I think it was at 5.30 pm – so that passengers would be able to complete their journey during daylight, at 7.30 at night many of these boats are still to arrive at Supenaam from Parika, a trip that does take not more than thirty-five minutes.

We must all hope and pray that nothing happens, because we all know how dangerous it can be travelling at sea during the hours of darkness on these boats at that speed.

We have developed a culture of waiting until the worst happens, then we go into overdrive doing damage control, but I always believe that prevention is better than cure.

Yours faithfully,
Archie W Cordis