Malali, Muritaro boat operators now licensed to operate in Demerara River

Considering the influx of economic activity heading to Linden, Region Ten (Upper Demerara-Berbice), and its surrounding communities, the government plans to invest in better facilities for boat operators there.
Approximately 43 boat operators from Malali and 36 from Muritaro recently completed theoretical and safety sensitisation training facilitated by the Maritime Administration Department (MARAD).
MARAD’s Director General, Stephen Thomas stated that all of the boat operators demonstrated the necessary skills and knowledge to safely and effectively operate small craft along the Demerara River.
As such, they have received various certificates and licenses.
During his address at the handing-over ceremony on Wednesday, Thomas emphasised the importance of certification, particularly as those areas are budding tourist destinations.

“Tourism is booming in the country already and when tourists visit a community, the first thing they ask if they use a boat, are boats certified or are the operators certified. So, we’re positioning you members of the community to be certified so you can benefit in addition to the other great things taking place in the country,” he stated.
Meanwhile, some 250 life jackets were distributed to the operators. In so doing, Public Works Minister Bishop Juan Edghill underscored the importance of further bolstering safety measures along the country’s waterways.
MARAD recently provided approval to Bosai Minerals Group Guyana to operate major vessels for transporting bauxite to a mothership in the Atlantic, and subsequently to international waters.
Initially, operations will involve two self-propelled barges, with plans for an additional two, thereby increasing river traffic.
Minister Edghill explained that now more than ever all boat operators must adhere to safety guidelines and protocols.
“So even right here in Linden/Wismar, the crossings with that kind of operation we have to ensure that everybody is operating understanding safety. We don’t want anybody dying on our water ways and nobody colliding,” Edghill underscored.
Further, Edghill reiterated government’s commitment to improving water transport and infrastructure in Guyana, particularly with the growing importance of the oil and gas sector in the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
In this regard, he disclosed plans to construct a new independent facility at the Malali and Muritaro landing for operators to dock their boats, access shelter, an appropriate waiting area and sanitary outlets.
“The latest they can start is the beginning of August. We already have the designs and the rest of it is now getting the contractor in place to execute that job. It will be somewhere between the vicinity of $10 to $12 million and that is an investment we are giving the people of Muritaro and Malali… You are ahead of the game here in Malali and Muritaro because you’re able to get to the advantage even before other areas come into place,” he explained.