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Port Kaituma residents discuss fuel smuggling with authorities

May 04, 2014 News

Residents and Regional officials of Port Kaituma, are once again expressing concerns about illegal fuel operations at the ‘Turn Basin,’ area of the community.
Kaieteur News understands that during his recent visit to the region, Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Norman Whittaker, met with officers attached to the Regional Democratic Council, (RDC) and the Neighbourhood Democratic Council, (NDC), as well as residents including members of the Port Kaituma business community.
Earlier last month, a trawler unloading smuggled fuel exploded at the Port Kaituma waterfront triggering a massive fire that destroyed three other vessels, a house, and two bonds which were also loaded with illegal fuel.
The explosion brought the problem of fuel being smuggled in the area to the forefront and sparked dialogue amongst regional officials regarding issues of a similar nature in the region.
Minister Whittaker accompanied by Regional Chairman Paul Pierre, Regional Executive Officer Nigel Fisher, Chairlady of the IMC of the Matarkai Neighbourhood Democratic Council, Margaret Lambert  and other officials of the Ministry of Local Government, the Regional Democratic Council and the Matarkai NDC  visited the site of the explosion.
During the visit they noticed a number of vessels containing dieseline and moored in the Turn Basin area.
Upon enquiry, from those on board the vessels, it was found that none of the vessels had documented evidence of approval from the Maritime Administration Department (MARAD) or other authorized Agencies to import, transport, store or sell fuel of any sort.
It was subsequently reported that there are five licensed fuel dealers in the area and scores of unlicensed dealers.
Residents talked about their concerns, which included the danger to school children who traverse the waterways in areas contiguous to where the illegal operation takes place.
The residents expressed concerns for their health and environment as they pointed to proof of the discharge of fuel, which was evident in the waterways. There was also refuse from on board toilet facilities and garbage dumps.
They are of the opinion that the situation may cause another gastro enteritis outbreak in the Region.  As such there were suggestions that all fuel be discharged at the Morawhanna port of entry or in an area at the commencement of the Canal.
The Minister has since promised to have the issues addressed. During the recent visit, Minister Whittaker noted that he will undertake to bring the situation to the attention Director General of MARAD and the other relevant agencies.

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