Dear Editor,
I had cause to travel to New Amsterdam and beyond twice last week. I must confess it was a nightmare travelling with the tired Berbice Ferry.
The Makouria was pulled out of operation because, as reported, the propeller fell off. Rather strange to me, after having engineers and servicemen on a daily basis on the vessel. Anyhow, it was replaced with a pontoon. Both the Torani and Sandaka are slow and discouraging. This slowness is creating a back-up of vehicles on both sides. When this situation develops, corruption immediately commences. Last week a tout came and offered me a spot for $3000. I refused and was told that I am never supportive of their cause. Half an hour later a #63 minibus came from behind and took up the #1 position, which was occupied by a vehicle. Fifteen minutes later the police took him to the station. I congratulated the police corporal. He told me he instructed the officers to place the defaulter in the lock-ups. Ten minutes after we spoke the bus returned, disregarded the line, the gate flew open and he drove onto the stelling as priority.
I then proceeded to the office to see the Clerk of Works and discuss with him the many strange developments that have surfaced. He seemed clueless about everything and was trying to make excuses. One of the gateman was present in his office and I finally asked him if the gate was an automatic one. He was surprised and unable to reply. Could the T&HD deploy another vessel to work from Blairmont to New Amsterdam? I am almost certain this would assist in a timely manner. I was now made to understand that the Makouria is out and transferred to Essequibo to replace the Malali. This of course would create more hardship and confusion for the already aggrieved commuters. I also raised the issue of having dirty sellers on the ferry. I was told they are being accommodated by the security guards.
Yours faithfully,
Tajpaul Gainda