KINGSTON - The Transport & Harbours Department (T&H.D) Ferry Vessels Malali, Kanawan and Sabanto are now able to operate on their normal schedules on the Parika/Wakenaam/Supenaam services after a three year hiatus.
This is a direct result of the recently concluded dredging exercise of the Chalmers area in the Essequibo River by the Maritime Administration Department (MARAD).
The Kanawan and Sabanto which ply the Parika - Supenaam route will now depart each stelling three times daily at 06:00 hours, 11:00 hours, and 16:00 hours This was not possible prior to the dredging operations conducted by MARAD.
The Dredge "STEVE N" had commenced dredging of the Chalmers area on September 17, 2014 and concluded on November 30, 2014.
This exercise was part of MARAD’s plan to dredge and open-up the shallow areas of the Essequibo River so that ships can operate freely.
TIMEHRI - The Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) wishes to correct several anomalies in an article captioned “Expanded search for plane fruitless” printed in Stabroek News’ December 31 publication.
Over the past four days, search and rescue teams worked tirelessly searching for the Britten Norman Islander that disappeared around midday on December 28.
The search for the aircraft and its occupants are affected by the weather patterns and the treacherous terrain. On day three, the GCAA release stated that the search was called off at 17:20 hrs due to poor weather conditions.
It is apt to note that the areas being searched are densely forested and mountainous. The pilots and members of the search and rescue teams rely on satellite weather reports and reports from mining camps to make informed inputs into their search and rescue mission.
While the weather condition may appear fair in one area, it does not mean that conditions are similar in another area.
Secondly, the Rescue Coordination Centre (RCC), Timehri Control Tower was activated on Dec 28 where major stakeholders continuously discuss and develop options/strategies to locate the aircraft based on information received.
A briefing session is held every morning and afternoon in the presence of Minister of Public Works, Robeson Benn. Following these sessions, information is coordinated with teams on the ground at Madhia with updates during the day.
As indicated in the December 30 press release, the search area was expanded which meant that search teams would have a larger area to cover systematically. Thus aircraft from time-to-time would have returned to Mahdia to re-fuel.
Thirdly, the sister of David Bisnauth – the missing cargo hander - turned up at ASL’s Hangar at Mahdia and demanded her brother’s possessions. The ASL’s Manager made it very clear that the search and rescue efforts are ongoing and it would only be prudent to handover any possessions after the operations were completed to Mr. Bisnauth’s immediate family.
Her aggressive behaviour at the Hangar caused the ASL’s officials to caution her on her behaviour, failing which a police officer was forced to escort her off the premises.
Despite this, ASL took her spouse by helicopter to an area where the family claimed to have heard a “noise” and searched for over 40 minutes. This proved futile, but gave him an appreciation of the challenging terrain. He also expressed his satisfaction with the search and rescue efforts.
Finally, when an aircraft is missing in a densely forested area, an immediate ground search is not the most viable option. Search teams and investigators must identify a specific location before the ground search can commence.
The GCAA understands and sympathizes with the relatives, friends and colleagues of the missing individuals. However, it is responsibility of the media to report the news accurately and objectively.
TIMEHRI - With still no sign of the missing Britten Norman Islander aircraft, the search and rescue operation widened its areas close to the intended destination Karisparu– an Amerindian community in Region 8 (Potaro/Siparuni) today, December 30.
Eyewitness reports indicate that the aircraft was spotted closer to Karisparu, which prompted the decision to concentrate in areas including Winiperu, Taffy, Black Water and Konawaruk River, which falls within the already identified area of interest.
The new area of concentration is 60 square miles and approximately 10 miles from Mahdia based on reported sightings which are being investigated. Unfortunately, at 17:20 hrs, operations were suspended due to inclement weather and the impending sunset.
The teams were also equipped with an Emergency Locator Transmitter Locator(ELTL) – a tracking device which aids in the detection and location of aircraft.
On the ground, Tesouro Resources, a mining company, through its Finance Manager Ray Beharry, joined in the search.
Two fixed wing aircraft and three rotor wing aircraft including one GDF helicopter continued the search today. Phoenix aircraft also provided assistance in the aerial search.
GCAA Investigators and GDF Special Forces remain on standby in Mahdia for deployment.
Flying time logged for the third day of the aerial reconnaissance is 11 hours and 52 minutes. The total search hours flown to date is 29 hours and 54 minutes.
On Sunday, December 28, the Britten Norman Islander aircraft 8R-GHEdisappeared enroute to Karisparu. Captain Nicky Persaud, 27 and loader David Bisnauth, 51 were the two crew members on onboard.
The search continues tomorrow, December 31.
TIMEHRI - The Timehri Air Traffic Control lost communication around noon today, December 28 with an Air Services Ltd. Cessna Britten Norman Islander 8R-GHE that was operating on a flight between Mahdia and Karisparu, Region 8 (Potaro/Siparuni).
Captain Nicky Persaud, 27, and a Loader Mr. David Bisnauth, 51, were onboard the twin-engine aircraft.
The Cessna Britten Norman Islander took off from Mahdia at 15:42 UTC (11:42 local time) on a routine local cargo flight and the last known position was Spot Tracker hit at 15:44 UTC (11:44 local time). The aircraft was estimated to arrive Karisparu at 16:00 UTC (12:00 local time).
At 16:20, Timehri Air Traffic Control made contact with the aircraft operator to establish whether the aircraft landed before implementing a search and rescue operation.
After no information was received, the Air Traffic Control commenced the ‘alert phase’ and the Rescue Coordination Center at the Timehri Control Tower was activated.
In the meantime, two Air Services Ltd. (ASL) Cessna 208 Caravan flying within the area were vectored to commence search for the aircraft. A Piper Cherokee from Hinterland Aviation also joined the search efforts. An ASL Bell Helicopter also departed Ogle Airport to join the search for the aircraft.
Additionally, an ASL Caravan departed for Mahdia at 16:16 local time with a GDF Special Forces Unit to assist in the search and rescue operation.
The search continued until sunset and the two (2) helicopters and one (1) Cessna Caravan are at Mahdia and will recommence search at sunrise tomorrow (December 28, 2014). Other aircraft from ASL will depart early tomorrow morning to join the search efforts and take in the GCAA Coordinators and Investigation team.
The GDF helicopter is also on standby to join the search and rescue operation. To date, 6 hours and 40 minutes search time was logged by four (4) fixed wing aircraft and two (2) helicopters.
TIMEHRI - Search and rescue teams triangulated a search area approximately 20 miles west and south of Mahdia today, December 29 for the missing Britten Norman Islander aircraft 8R-GHEwhich disappeared on Sunday.
The expanse of dense jungle is within the area of interest as determined by map terrain information and aircraft sighting while taking into consideration the last known position of the aircraft.
The mountainous area - up to 700 meters high - was overflown including Echerak and North Fork in search for Captain Nicky Persaud, aged 27 with 8,000 flying hours and vast experience operating in this area; and David Bisnauth who were onboard the aircraft when contact was lost.
The twin-engine aircraft’s last known position via “Spot Tracker” was 3.8 nautical miles south of Mahdia – a mere twominutes after it departed Mahdia airstrip. The aircraft was expected to reach Karisparu at midday.
Weather conditions enroute to Karisparu, an Amerindian community, was reported as ‘bad’ at the time of the flight.
Regrettably, the second day of search yielded no sightings of the aircraft.
Eleven hours and 24 minutes were accumulated by search aircraft on this second day, bringing the total search hours flown to 18 hours and four minutes.
Included in the today’s search were two fixed wing aircraft and three rotor wing aircraft including one GDF helicopter. GCAA Investigators and GDF Special Forces remain on standby in Mahdia for possible extraction.
Medical personnel are also on standby at Mahdia District Hospital and the Georgetown Public Hospital (GHPC).
All aspects of the operation are being coordinated from the Rescue Coordination Centre at the Timehri Control Tower. Present are officials from the Ministry of Public Works; Ministry of Health; GCAA; CJIA; GDF Air Corps, Air Services Ltd and the Guyana Police Force.
Mahdia is a hub for operations into locations in the escarpment. This flight was taking supplies to Karisparu.
The Operation will recommence tomorrow, December 30 at sunrise.
TIMEHRI - The Rescue Coordination Center was activated at 06:30 hrsat Timehri Control Tower.
An aerial search resumed for the missing aircraft in Region 8 at 7:07 hrs today December 29 on improved weather with aircraft being flown over the search quadrant.
Two helicopters and a Cessna Caravan are in the search area with Guyana Defence Force (GDF) special forces.
Further, a Cessna 206 departed Timehri at 08:27 with GCAA Coordinators and Investigators - with additional equipment and supplies.
KINGSTON - The final phase of dredging activities in Chalmers Essequibo River by Dredge "STEVE N" was completed on November 30, 2014.
The Dredge "STEVE N" commenced dredging in the Essequibo River at Chalmers Crossing on September 17, 2014.
This represented part of the plan by the Maritime Administration Department (MARAD) to dredge the shallow areas of the Essequibo River that currently impede the movement of ships.
The STEVE N is expected to conduct more dredging activities at New Amsterdam Stelling in the first quarter of the New Year.
KINGSTON - Twelve Ministry of Public Works (MPW) employees who excelled throughout the year were honoured at the Ministry’s Christmas party on Friday, December 19, 2014, Transport and Harbour Sports Club.
Bevon James, a Transport Foreman, was bestowed with the top honours – the Ministry’s Worker of the Year award. He has been working at the Ministry for the past 16 years.
Denise Burke, the Confidential Secretary to the Permanent Secretary; Owen Campbell, an Equipment Operator and Michael Cambridge-Bell, a Works Services Group (WSG) Driver placed second, third and fourth respectively.
The subject Minister, Hon. Robeson Benn handed the quartet their certificates and other incentives.
Additionally, eight other employees were given certificates for their exemplary service namely: Sharon Layne, an Office Assistant [Registry]; Onica White, an Accounts Clerk [Central Accounts Unit]; Clevelyn Hart, a Supply Expeditor [Supplies Division]; Rasheed Balgobin, a Brush Cutter Operator; Marlon McRae, a Foreman [Force Account Unit]; Shakira Spears, Cleaner [Admin Section]; Lalta Persaud, a construction Foreman and Ralph Welcome, a Field Auditor.
The 12 honoured were out of the 450 staff employed by the Ministry throughout the regions. Balraj Balram, the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary (PS), disclosed that the awardees were selected based on their appraisals performance, reliability and punctuality.
He added that the combined performance under these criteria is an indication of “their excellent work and the reflection of their notable work ethics and attitude, for which I personally thank them and congratulate them.”
The recognition ceremony is part of the Ministry’s Personnel Department strategy to motivate staff towards excellence, serving community with distinction and humanely as well as retaining human resources.
Good year despite challenges
Hon. Benn, in his remarks, said that 2014 was a challenging year for the Ministry, however irrespective of the budgetary and parliamentary processes “we found ways to keep the works going.”
Noting the criticisms leveled against the Ministry on the delivery of some of its works, the Minister stated there is still an appreciation of the works done.
“The growth of the country is dependent on us,” he added.
Young Engineers were also encouraged to use their knowledge and skills to ensure a better life for the younger generation. “We inherited a better life than our fore-parents; never accept any situations which will see a reversal of progress in the country.”
A number of Government officials were present at the party including Prime Minister Samuel Hinds, Dr. Ashni Singh and Dr. Bheri Ramsaran Ministers of Finance and Health.
KINGSTON - Several culverts will be constructed along the Linden/Lethem road as the Ministry of Public Works continues to upgrade the 276 miles thoroughfare.
Extensive bush clearing will also be done.
The project is being carried out to protect the road prism from damages and guarantee visibility for road users. Works have begun from miles 84 to 276, according to Naeem Mohamed, an Engineer overseeing the project.
From Linden to Omai Turn Off [miles 0 to 65], Metallica will grade, place and compact deteriorated sections with laterite. Likewise, Demerara Timber Limited (DTL) will maintain from Omai Turn Off to Siparuni [miles 65 to 84].
Mekdeci Machinery and Construction is currently working from Siparuni Junction to Kurupukari, which stretches from miles 84 to 135. The construction firm is tasked with clearing bushes, stabilising sections with cement and the installation of 10 lines concrete (3 feet in diameter) culverts.
JR Ranch Company will be carrying out similar works from Kurupukari to Annai [miles 135 to 200].
From miles 200 to 276 – Annai to Lethem – V. Dalip Enterprise will be executing works that include building up low lying sections, clearing bushes along the carriageway and installing 15 lines [3 feet] concrete culverts.
The Ministry will shortly erect traffic signages along the road, and by March 2015 all works will be completed, Mr. Mohamed disclosed.
He added that the quality of the road is very substantial for transportation and trade, and the Ministry of Public Works has injected millions of dollars to sustain it. For this second phase of the project, approximately G$257M has been allocated.
Phase one, which concluded in mid-November, encompassed all critical sections of the road to be resurfaced thus reducing the travel time from 13 plus hours to seven.
Drivers impressed
Darwin Rodrigues, who has been plying the Linden/Lethem for the past four years, was impressed with the condition of the road. He recently transported some University of Guyana students from Surama Eco-lodge, Region 9 to Georgetown.
“It is really improved. I could remember there were a lot of potholes that made it difficult for many drivers to navigate,” he recalled. “But now I am very amazed at its state.”
Carl Williams, a veteran on the carriageway, expressed his satisfaction with how the Ministry has been able to upgrade and improve the heavily trafficked road.
“It is a commendable initiative because the Linden/Lethem road is an investment that will bolster economic and trade for Guyanese.”
TIMEHRI - Within the short period of six months, InselAir has exemplified investors’ tremendous confidence in Guyana’s developing aviation sector as it has launched service on another Guyana-Caribbean route.
The inaugural InselAir flight from Curaçao arrived in Guyana just after midnight on Thursday evening at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) with over 70 passengers and departed Friday morning with close to 50. The flight touched down with eager passengers consisting of various officials and regional press who could not wait to foster the ties between the two nations.
Onboard the first flight from Curaçao was St Martin’s Minister of Tourism and Transport, Ted Richardson who arrived in Guyana for the first time.
At a simple ceremony shortly after his arrival, Minister Richardson noted that this new route would make a big contribution to St Martin’s economy.
Initially, InselAir had two flights per week from Georgetown to Aruba where passengers via the Aruba hub had easy access to Curaçao from which many other InselAir destinations are available.
Now with the addition of this direct Curaçao-Georgetown route, InselAir has four weekly flights into Guyana.
Commendable
Public Works and Transport Minister Robeson Benn was impressed that InselAir chose to launch yet another route in such a short period. “I am excited. I’m happy that InselAir is moving up their operations … I’m excited that again, we are having another vote of confidence in our country’s air transport operations.”
Moreover, on the topic of development, Minister Benn disclosed that he wanted to see more assertive young people with the confidence and positive outlook to develop the country.
CJIA Chief Executive Officer Ramesh Ghir was ecstatic to introduce yet another air service carrier to Guyana, noting that Guyana’s aviation sector is rapidly unfolding.
He also acknowledged and praised the Government’s confidence in the major development of the sector. He cited among other projects “the investment in the control tower, the expansion of the CJIA which is ongoing, the supported infrastructure for the transport sector, the four-lane highway road, the development of the other supporting airports…”
Also commending the Government of Guyana on its efforts to promote the country as a tourism hub, which in turn would develop the aviation sector, was the Director of Roraima Airways, Captain Gerry Gouveia.
“I believe that this effort by the Minister and his team to market Guyana through aviation is actually very strategic.”
He further acknowledged that “Guyana is a country on the move and nothing is going to stop it … we’re creating economic development, we’re creating employment … with partners like InselAir. I’m very optimistic about the future.”
Roraima Airways has been authorised as the ground handling services and general sales agent for the airline.
Furthermore, President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of InselAir, Albert Cliver hinted at plans for a fruitful new year.
“We want to have more opportunities for direct flights out of Guyana,” Cliver noted.
InselAir’s 2015 plans include connections to Colombia and Brazil. Additionally, Cliver expressed hopes of having direct flights out of Guyana and more Caribbean destination opportunities.
