Ferry service to be restored in Berbice riverine communities

GINA, GUYANA

Thursday, August 25, 2016

Residents in riverine communities along the Berbice River, who have been struggling to transport produce to coastland markets will now benefit from the resuscitation of the Berbice River ferry service.

Minister of Communities Ronald Bulkan announced to representatives of the indigenous communities of Kimbia, Ebini, Wiruni, Hururu, Ituni, Wikki-Calcuni, and Kwakwani along the Berbice River of this development at the National Toshaos Council (NTC) Meeting on Wednesday. These communities have vast farmlands.

Minister Bulkan said, “I am aware that a decision has been made, and I believe the resources have already been provided for the resuscitation of the ferry service in the Berbice River.”

The minister explained that the Ministries of Communities and Public Infrastructure are working towards finalising the arrangement and asked to have the support of the village leaders and councillors, in order for the resuscitation process to be a success.

“This is one issue that was brought to the respective partners in the now coalition government, and is a commitment that was given and it is a pledge and a promise that the administration is determined to deliver on,” Bulkan explained.

Councillor of Region Ten, Lawrence Hackett, pointed out that a boat was available under the previous administration, but was eventually taken away from the communities, thereby hampering the transport of goods to market.

Hackett, explained, “Now in the Berbice River, who I speak for, there was a boat owned by the government and that boat was taken away from that area and the people in the Berbice River can attest to this. That boat used to take the produce out of the area because it is a heavy farming area, but that boat was taken away very unceremoniously and disposed of.”

This and other issues were raised by Amerindian councillors and Toshaos at Day Two of the NTC Meeting at the Arthur Chung Convention Centre, Liliendaal.