During the bustling Easter weekend, numerous visitors headed to Bartica in Region Seven to partake in the Easter Regatta festivities. Typically, travellers and vehicles make the journey from Parika to Bartica aboard the ferry, Makouria. However, in an unexpected twist, patrons were greeted by a pontoon instead on Tuesday.
Photos seen by this newspaper showed persons sitting on the floor of the pontoon in the blazing hot sun among vehicles.
Taking to his social media page to express his disappointment with the way things were handled given the busy weekend ahead, former mayor of Bartica, Gifford Marshall, wrote “The last few weeks I’ve played my part as a resident of my community in sparing no effort to show the world how beautiful our country is and by extension my community.
“In a previous social media post, I encouraged persons to travel by ferry for the Easter Regatta. I even implied that it’s an affordable and comfortable way to travel to and from Bartica.
“I was embarrassingly shocked a few moments ago when a number of passengers reached out to me, sharing images that highlighted stark differences between my Facebook post and the sad reality of passengers travelling on the ferry.
“On behalf of the people presently travelling to Parika, I demand a public apology from Transport and Harbours Department immediately. Further, every passenger should be refunded today on their arrival at Parika.
“Regardless of the challenges or problems being encountered, I personally know that this is not an accurate reflection of who we are. We can and must do better!”
Stabroek News reached out to Marshall who then provided contact details for Oshea (only name given) who was aboard the pontoon. In sharing her experience she said, “Well, all I can really say is that the ferry that is here is not the normal ferry that usually comes and there isn’t enough seats available. So there are a lot of people all over on the ground sitting.” When asked if she addressed this with the authorities she relayed that she does not know anyone at the Transport and Harbours Department and that it seemed like a first-time experience for everyone aboard the pontoon-like vessel.
When contacted, Region Seven Chairman and head of the Bartica Regatta committee, Kenneth Williams, stated his disappointment with the way things were handled. “The vessel is mostly for vehicles and it is not the best transportation for passengers. I am hoping that we have a resolution to this and ensure that the travelling public is satisfied.”
He emphasised the importance of comfort when travelling and that some may not like the speed boats hence the reason for a ferry service. He is now pressing the Transport and Harbours Department for an explanation as to what occurred “I am hoping that they rectify it. We cannot have that.”
No explanation was given as to why the Makouria was not available.
