KINGSTON - Minister of Public Works, Robeson Benn, told the National Assembly on February 27 that Government was already pursuing the re-introduction of the Berbice River Ferry, and as such supported a motion moved by AFC’s Trevor Williams in that regard.
Minister Benn said that Government had campaigned on this issue in 2011, promising residents that it will restore the ferry service and return the vessel Kimbia to the Berbice River as it was moving to have a new ferry system designed for the North West District, Region One.
The Kimbia was designed for and previously plied the Berbice River, servicing the Berbice River residents, was moved to North West District in 1997.
Minister Benn explained that the Government has already moved towards meeting with the Indian Government to have a new vessel designed for the North West, and said that by year end, this design will be completed to see movement in keeping its election promise to the Berbice River residents.
Williams in moving his motion contended that the ferry service which previously served a number of communities from New Amsterdam to Kwakwani, providing transportation to hundreds families and their goods to and from the Berbice Coast, was unilaterally removed by Government without any explanation.
He said that this caused many communities to become abandoned and deserted due to lack of significant economic activities, but Minister Benn disputed that, saying that the ferry service was instead removed after efforts to move the economy on the Berbice River went down and gradually people moved out of the communities. “There was nothing to bring out on the boat,” the Minster said.
Minister Benn noted that now, with agriculture and forestry activities ongoing in the area and again the influx of residents, it is time to re-introduce the service, and Government recognising this would have sought to commence proactive measures in this regard.
Minister of Local Government Norman Whittaker pointed out that Government did not abandon the residents who remained after economic activities dwindled in the area and the ferry service stalled, but interim measures were in place to allow for movement to and fro.
The bill was also supported on the APNU side by Joe Harmon. When put to a vote, it received the unanimous support of the House. (GINA)
