The Office of the President last night announced that President Irfaan Ali had clinched a deal with speed boat operators to have the fare for the Georgetown to Vreed-en-Hoop crossing remain at $100.
Speed boat operators had been demanding a fare of $120 and staged a one-day strike on Friday which caused enormous dislocation and led to the government mobilizing boats and vehicles to assist on the crossing. The boat operators returned to work yesterday with some charging the $120 for the crossing and others $100.
In the statement last night, the Office of the President did not say what had led to the operators agreeing to hold the fare at $100.
The statement said: “His Excellency Dr Irfaan Ali brokered a deal with the speed boat operators who work the Georgetown to Vreed-en-Hoop route to have their fare remain at $100 per person.
“The decision was made after the Head of State met with members of the Demerara River Speed Boat Association at the National Track and Field Centre in Leonora this evening.
“The President committed to helping improve the service of the speedboat operators and the landing area while continuously aiding their growth.
“Lallbachan Babulal, Vice President of the Demerara River Speed Boat Association, expressed satisfaction with the meeting and said members are looking forward to working with the President to improve the service”.
On Friday, due to the decision by operators to take strike action, government was forced to put emergency measures in place to help stranded travellers. Boats were deployed by the Maritime Administration Department (MARAD), the Guyana Defence Force Coast Guard and the Guyana Police Force as well Sheriff Security to transport persons free of cost.
Additionally, 14 boats from the Parika service were also allowed to operate along the route. The Guyana Defence Force also deployed six buses to assist in shuttling passengers across the Demerara Harbour Bridge.
Secretary of the Demerara River Speedboat Association Poshan Khemraj on Saturday told Stabroek News that members of the association decided to resume work after Friday’s strike since it was clear that the authorities would not approve the increase.
He said they were still charging $100 for the Vreed-en-Hoop to Georgetown run. He did note that there were some operators who were charging a higher fare and he was aware of the notices they had put up in their vessels, for which no authority was given by the association. The notice was not on his boat.
Despite the government’s opposition, Khemraj once again pleaded the case of the operators as he pointed out that passengers were willing to pay the higher fare. He also said boat operators who ply the Parika to Supenaam and Leguan routes had increased their fares.
