Given the recent incidents of the malfunctioning of vessels on the Essequibo River due to poor maintenance, Region Two Chairperson, Vilma De Silva, is urging passengers to wear their safety jackets at all times. This call was made at a meeting held at Supenaam on Thursday last with speedboat operators.
The Regional Chairperson noted that recently she has been receiving numerous complaints about the operation of speedboats between Supenaam and Parika. She explained that the meeting was important for her to understand what was happening and what steps could be taken to improve the service.
De Silva used the opportunity to encourage passengers utilising the service to wear their life jackets at all times. Operators were told that they must ensure the proper cleaning of their boats, supply enough life jackets, conduct regular maintenance, provide hand sanitisers, and for the captain/bowman to be dressed appropriately. She also reminded them that the Essequibo tourism sector is booming and the speedboat service plays an integral role.
During the meeting boat operators also aired their concerns and pledged to work with the Speedboat Owners Association as well as the Regional Democratic Council. They also committed to ensuring that they provide the best service to passengers.
“It is our business and we have to ensure that passengers are safe and comfortable and we will do everything to ensure the same” a boat operator, Otis Roberts, declared.
According to the Maritime Administration Department (MARAD), boat licences are renewed once a year when an inspection is done, and the captain’s licence is renewed every three years.
Also attending the meeting were Regional Vice Chairman, Humace Oodit; Regional Executive Officer, Susannah Saywack; the Prime Minister’s representative, Arnold Adams; and Sea Defence Engineer, Saieed Mohamed.
