Dear Editor,
I read with great humour the report published in another section of the media on September 23, 2016 quoting the Maritime Administration as saying that there are alternate routes for boats traversing the Piremap Falls. Amazing!
I acknowledge that one way is to unload all cargo and lug them from below the falls to the top and then haul your boat manually over the iron rails that are installed for that purpose to the top of falls, reload your boat and be on your way, adding eight hours to your travel time. Otherwise you wait for the rains and high water.
I would love to see the experts at MARAD take a boat and do a trip; do a video and let the Guyanese public see these alternate routes.
The report go on to say that Crown Mining Supplies has “assiduously commenced efforts” to remove this obstruction. The fact is that Crown Mining Supplies have a camp some distance downstream and their workers are enjoying TV shows and relaxing. I reiterate, for the month of September absolutely nothing has been done to improve the situation, neither the Crown mining company nor the relevant authorities have been fully truthful or forthcoming on this issue.
This situation cannot continue much longer as a lot of miners, boaters, fuel suppliers, farmers, fishermen and school children are greatly affected by this ugly situation.
I am also willing to pay for a boat to take the media to the location to get a first-hand look at what are really the facts. Let us make it a trip; we can also take the experts from MARAD to show us their routes.
Regards,
Ralph Persaud
