Dear Editor,
The strike by the speedboat operators plying the Vreed-en-Hoop/Georgetown route didn’t come to me as a surprise, and if commuters didn’t expect that, then they should check their sanity.
Following the news, I see the operators claiming that they haven’t increased their fares for 13 years, but I would like to inform them that most of the commuters using their service have been working for the same salary for over 15 years. The last time the fare increased was to $80, but the operators’ greed overcame them and they started keeping the $20 change, which eventually caused the authorities to make the adjustment.
These bullies would charge double on Sundays and holidays, despite the authorities instructing them not to, and in cases of an accident at the Demerara Habour Bridge, they would also increase their fares without consideration. Should you refuse to pay, embarrassment and bullying are meted out to you.
Whenever an accident occurs at the bridge, they get tremendous work during that period, and openly they would be boasting of how much money they earned. So, apparently, they don’t see an opportunity this season, and have decided to hold this country to ransom.
Editor, repeatedly, there’ve been complaints about the service provided by the operators, and periodically they would be adjusted, and gradually they return to their despicable behaviour.
Authorities would sometimes be there, but conveniently; they are not around to witness when these operators overcharge people, behave in an atrocious manner, openly use the foulest language available, dress improperly, and consume alcohol whilst waiting for their turn to work.
At times, it’s a disaster to embark or disembark a boat, and for the years they have plied there, none has ever seen it fit to make it more comfortable for commuters, especially females. Instead, they find it funny, telling each other about the colour or type of underwear someone wearing when they are accidentally forced into a revealing position.
It should be noted that these operators work to their own interest, and decide what time to drive the boat fast and when not to, which causes commuters to vent their anger against the operators. Mini bus operators face more expenses than speedboat operators. They take passengers further, and charge only $100. There’s no fight down, as with speedboat operators; they all work by a turn system, and at the end of the day, their take-home salary is more than what an average person earns, despite them working whenever they feel.
So, how do we deal with these bullies? The authorities have the names of the boats and operators that refuse to work/strike, and they should leave the present system in place until the holidays are over, and let them stay home and enjoy the holidays.
Finally, Editor, over the years, there have been many calls for a better system to be put in place for commuters traversing the Demerara River and other rivers using the speedboats, and despite all the boasting of Guyana morning forward, that area still remains in a deplorable condition. That’s the development/moving forward we have to show the foreigners/investors visiting Guyana? For some unknown reason, some escape the eyes of the authorities, and they continue to unsafely put people’s lives at risk with their compromised vessels.
Of recent, quite a few seem to be experiencing problems that attract media attention, and in some cases lives are lost. There is no proper solution or alternative when disaster happens, but confusion. I cannot understand why there isn’t a restroom provided around the speedboat areas for the operators/commuters.
Instead, you are witnessing a ‘stink and dutty’ place when you walking, or would accidentally witness someone relieving themselves at some corner. The recreational park under construction at Windsor Forest already has toilets installed.
It is no doubt that we have a mediocre Opposition to properly challenge this Government, and this Government knows this, so they are governing to their pleasure. Indeed, with the newfound wealth, they have become more corrupt, and do as they please, but at the same time, they could make lives easier for the citizens even as they continue to rape this country of her money. They have many of their cronies whom they give contracts aimlessly, they could make the stelling a priority.
Sincerely,
Sahadeo Bates
