On behalf of the people of Bartica and as the PRO Bartica Chamber of Commerce I am appealing to the Minister of Transport and the Transport and Harbours Department for another steamer day on Tuesday, returning Wednesday. Lots of vehicles are left stranded at both ends – Parika and Bartica, since there are only two steamer days.
Most interior vehicles have stopped using the Linden-Rockstone Road and the Sherima Crossing to cut costs. The steamer is much easier and cheaper. Businesspersons would like to travel to Parika with their vehicles on Wednesdays, and they could return on Saturdays comfortably, having done all their business. Persons can travel up with their vehicles to Bartica on Tuesdays and return Fridays.
It is very costly to transport cargo by speedboat. There are lots of business going on in Bartica – foodstuff and mining equipment are in demand. The Minister and management of Transport and Harbours Department should give it a try this December month; we are fed up having to be at the stelling one day before scheduled crossing in order to get on the ferry.
A Merry Christmas to all the employees of T&HD, not forgetting Minister Benn. Hoping you will begin this service Tuesday, December 8, 2009.
Yours faithfully,
Winston Miller, Snr
