Enthusiastic passengers yesterday set off on a 15-hour journey to Kumaka on the new $2.5b India-built northwest ferry, MV MA Lisha.
The vessel which carried in excess of 250 passengers did not depart Georgetown at 4 pm as anticipated but instead left at around 5.06 pm due to some delays. This is its inaugural trip with passengers.
Before its departure Stabroek News spoke with several passengers to garner their thoughts and feelings on embarking on the voyage.
Many expressed annoyance at having to wait hours to board the vessel as they cast blamed on the management at the Transport and Harbours Department which falls under the Ministry of Public Works.
Other passengers also expressed frustration at not being able to embark on the journey.
In this regard Stabroek News was informed that many of the aggrieved passengers did not purchase their tickets early as instructed.
Other passengers expressed elation at being given the opportunity to visit their friends, family and for recreational and sabbatical purposes. Some recounted visiting the north west region for work purposes.
One teacher who resides in Mabaruma but was stationed at Georgetown said she is happy to go back to her abode to see family and friends.
Another passenger recounted that they will be visiting Kumaka to have a grand time.
“This is long overdue since 1992 we have been hearing about a new ferry to north west. This boat was due since the previous administration and it is now here, it is a great initiative for the region if you had travelled to Region One before on the older vessel it was a struggle as it took hours, to get there but now it will be much faster”, he said
The excited passenger noted that he and his brother would be engaged in leisure activities since his brother would soon be preparing for exams.
Minister of Public Works Juan Edghill yesterday told journalists that the ferry is at least twice the size of the existing one and is fitted with modern amenities and new technology and will be able to cut travel time down by approximately 50%.
He added that the ferry is vital in fulfilling the transportation needs of the northwestern region of Guyana along the riverine and coastal routes.
The subject minister said that passengers who were unable to go yesterday will travel on August 15th, 2023, the same day the vessel returns to Port Georgetown.
“All the passengers who were unable to go on this vessel, the staff at transport and harbours will book them so they don’t have to come early to line up here on Tuesday and spend the whole day …that will be sorted out”, he related.
He urged that passengers purchase their tickets ahead of time to avoid disappointment.
Mukesh Kaushik, representative from the Indian High Commission of Guyana said the MV MA Lisha symbolized the “great bonds of friendship” between India and Guyana.
The ocean-going passenger ferry vessel was built for Guyana by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers Ltd as part of the Government of India’s Line of Credit-cum-Grant project.
Captain of the Vessel, Courtney McDonald said that the journey from Georgetown to Kumaka will be of 15 hours duration due to rough waves.
The ship, propelled by two diesel engines, can carry 294 passengers including 14 crew along with 14 cars, 2 trucks, 14 containers and other cargo at a maximum speed of 15 knots, he noted.
On January 13 last year, the Transport and Harbours Department signed a US$12.7M contract with the Indian company to commence the construction of the ocean-going passenger and cargo ferry. The signing marked the end of a years-long delay in the major project.
It was funded through an US$18 million grant/line of credit from India, with US$8 million in the form of a grant and US$10 million in a line of credit.
Meanwhile, Rosalinda Rasul, Chairperson of the Transport and Harbours Department Board is adamant that the passengers will have no regrets embarking on the journey as she dubbed it an adventure of a lifetime.
“The vessel is equipped with WIFI & air conditioning services so no need to worry”, she informed.
She also noted that the vessel will aid in improving the livelihood of commuters from the region especially those who conduct trade and commerce through cargo.
