Even as repairs are ongoing at the Paruima Airstrip in Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) after defects were found following its April commissioning, residents of the area are at odds with the contractor over a gentleman’s agreement regarding the use of the community’s boat. There are also concerns regarding medical insurance for local workers.
In an interview with Stabroek News yesterday, community members said that the contractor, International Imports and Supplies had made a verbal agreement with the village, which allowed the contractor to lease a 15-horsepower outboard motor in exchange for use of the village’s boat. However, the boat has fallen into disrepair and the condition of the outboard motor has deteriorated to the point of being deemed worthless by the community. It appears that there was no provision for maintenance and repairs. According to residents, with no formal contract in place, the financial terms fluctuated unpredictably from month to month, complicating budget management and planning for the community.