Linden’s ferry boat operators were found to be complying with the laws yesterday when the Guyana Police Force (GPF) Marine Division made an impromptu visit to the area using one of its newly acquired vessels.
Ranks of the marine division made their maiden voyage to the town as one of many planned trips to keep a tab on the ferry services in the area.
According to Sergeant Garfield Anthony,the trip to the mining town was to check for seaworthiness of the vessels. “We’re basically looking to see that they were registered to carry passengers and that they were in compliance with the general regulations, especially when it comes to having licensed captains and safety,” said Anthony.
Officer-in-Charge of the Linden Division Terrence Brown said that the trip to Linden sent a message that actions are being taken to regularise the use of the waterway and to encourage ferry services to keep themselves in compliance with the law.
“We are now better-equipped…I am not saying what we now have is the best but we are in a much better situation than before,” said Brown.
Brown added that he was pleased to have the marine division conducting the activity in the division, since it gives strength to the work being done by the local officers.
Noting that illegal activities along the waterways in Linden have been almost non-existent, he explained that the presence of the marine department is a proactive move.
The team plans to make regular visits to the area and like yesterday’s trip it would be stopping at communities along the Demerara River en- route to Linden. The team would be in the Berbice River today and Essequibo on Friday.
