Guyana: Hundreds left stranded as speed boater operators go on strike
Speedboat operators plying the Stabroek to Vreed-en-Hoop on the Demerara River withheld their services yesterday as they continue their push for a fare increase.
Passengers pay GYD$100 per person to cross the river, and boat operators are seeking an increase of at least GYD$20.
The strike led to hundreds of commuters being stranded at the Water Taxi Landing Port at the Demerara Harbour Bridge.
Some Guyanese have expressed their outrage about the protest on social media.
“These boat operators are wicked. I understand their operating expenses are higher than before, but it is the same for their customers. Everyone is finding it hard right now. The government needs to take away some of their licences,” one person wrote.
Another person commented: “You are striking, and your boats are a hazard. Fix your boats! Ensure all passengers and crew are safe when travelling.”
The Ministry of Home Affairs, Ministry of Public Works, Maritime Administration Department (MARAD), the Guyana Police Force, Guyana Defence Force (GDF), the Coast Guard and several private boat operators have been assisting persons the cross the river throughout the day.
The GDF has also added six buses to assist in shuttling passengers across the Demerara Harbour Bridge from 2 pm to 8 pm free of charge.
MARAD said persons wishing to use the buses should assemble at the Ashmins building at the corners of High and Hadfield Streets in Georgetown.
Additionally, 14 boats from the Parika service were also added to the route to complement the relief efforts.
MARAD has urged commuters not to pay the protesting boat operators more than the GYD$100 fare to cross from Georgetown to Vreed-en-Hoop.
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