Speedboat strike: Coast guard boats being used to transport stranded passengers
Speedboat operators on the Demerara River from Stabroek to Vreed-en-Hoop halted operations today in order to press for a fare increase.
Passengers currently pay GYD$100 per person to cross the river, and boat operators are seeking a GYD$20 increase.
Hundreds of commuters were stranded at the Water Taxi Landing Port at the Demerara Harbour Bridge as a result of the strike.
On social media, some Guyanese have expressed their outrage at the protest.
“These boat operators are evil.” I understand that their operating expenses are higher than before, but so are their customers’. Everyone is having a difficult time right now. “The government should revoke some of their licences,” one person wrote.
A police officer helps a commuter cross the Demerara River. “You are striking, and your boats are a hazard,” said another. Repair your boats! “Make certain that all passengers and crew are safe while travelling.”
Throughout the day, the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Ministry of Public Works, the Maritime Administration Department (MARAD), the Guyana Police Force, the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), the Coast Guard, and several private boat operators assisted people in crossing the river.
The GDF has also added six buses to help shuttle passengers across the Demerara Harbour Bridge for free from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m.
People who want to use the buses should meet at the Ashmins building on the corner of High and Hadfield Streets in Georgetown, according to MARAD.
In addition, 14 boats from the Parika service were added to the route to help with relief efforts.
MARAD has urged commuters not to pay more than the GYD$100 fare to cross from Georgetown to Vreed-en-Hoop on protesting boats.