In order to facilitate the delivery of food and necessary supplies to Region Seven, where a lockdown is in effect to stem the spread of COVID-19, Minister of Public Works Juan Edghill on Wednesday revealed that the ferry to Bartica will continue to operate.
On August 16th, travel was restricted to regions Seven, Eight and Nine as a result of the rising COVID-19 cases. The measures will continue until August 31st.
Up to Friday, Region Seven had recorded a total of 226 cases of COVID-19.
However, according to Edghill, after much discussion with the Minister of Health Dr Frank Anthony, they also decided to allow the Bartica ferry to continue to operate. He added that since the travel restrictions were imposed, the ferry made two trips; once on Wednesday last and on Friday.
He said the decision to allow the ferry to continue to operate is to ensure that food and other necessary supplies are not cut off. “The Transport and Harbours Department [T&HD] has been instructed to ensure that there is full compliance with all of the safety regulations,” he stated.
Meanwhile, Edghill also revealed that T&HD has agreed to allow more frequent trips to regions One and Two along with Leguan and Wakenaam Islands after intervention from the ministry. He disclosed that passengers departed to the North West region two weeks ago and they will allow another boat to depart for the region in the shortest possible time provided that COVID-19 guidelines are followed.
Edghill added that travel schedules were reviewed and revised in order to get supplies to various areas. He stated that the T&HD will soon publish a schedule as it relates to upcoming trips so that the public can be aware when boats and ferries will depart Georgetown or Parika.
