-Edghill tells operators
While boat operators and owners plying the Supenaam to Parika route weren’t too pleased with the decision to lower their fare from $1500 to $1300, they were asked to comply by Minister of Public Works Juan Edghill during a public meeting yesterday.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the boat fare was increas-ed to facilitate social distancing. However, since the end of the pandemic it had remained at $1,500.
During the meeting Edghill emphasized the importance of safety and compliance to water taxi owners and operators in Region Two. He was accompanied by Minister in the Ministry of Public Works, Deodat Indar and Maritime Administra-tion Department (MARAD) staff.
During the meeting with operators at Supenaam waterfront, Edghill stressed the need for a functioning association at Supenaam to ensure safety regulations are upheld.
He assured that their aim is not to disrupt livelihoods but to prioritize safety, urging operators to regularly inspect and certify their boats.
With an audit ordered for the 120 operators in the region, Edghill mandated that all captains must be licensed to operate in the Essequibo River, warning of consequences for unlicensed operators.
He clarified that the fare from Supenaam to Parika remains at $1300, denouncing unauthorized increases during COVID-19.
Similar meetings have been conducted with speed boat operators in other regions to ensure an understanding of fare systems and safety protocols.
Furthermore, Edghill reveal-ed plans for random medical testing of boat operators for alcohol and drugs to enhance safety measures.
Speed boat operators said that they were not pleased since the cost of living has risen in Guyana. They said that the $1500 was reasonable for them.
“Things in the shop rise and as such $1500 is reasonable, we don’t beg people, who want pay does pay, however is our livelihood” an operator said.
