Benn denies food and water shortage aboard vessel

Aug 29, 2010 News

The MV Kimbia, which broke down Thursday night, stranding hundreds of travelers to the North West, was once again scheduled to leave yesterday for Mabaruma after repairs were done.
Yesterday, Minister of Public Works and Transport, Robeson Benn, also denied that there was no food and water on board the vessel and said that an emergency operation system immediately kicked in Thursday when authorities received reports that there were problems.
The vessel was towed to the Kingston Stelling around 21:00hrs Friday.

The MV Kimbia preparing to sail yesterday, hours after it was towed to the city following mechanical and other problems.

“Around 21:00hrs Thursday when the report came in, the Maritime Rescue operation was initiated with myself, the Harbour Master, the Coast Guard and other officers present to co-ordinate logistics.”
According to the Minister, the MV Kimbia immediately dropped anchor just off Anna Regina, Essequibo Coast just after the problems developed, and waited for the tug which had to make its way there.
“We were in contact with the ferry throughout the entire operations to return it to Kingston. We sent down four 500 gallons black tank of water for the passenger so I don’t know how the newspaper is saying we did not have water. At any point of time, we could have gotten resources to the ferry if the need arises.”
According to Benn, with the vessel facing difficulties, the only alternative was to bring it back to the Kingston Stelling.
Additionally, to make life easier for the passengers, coolers capable of giving hot and cold water have been placed on board.
“When I took over as Minister, there was only one boat to the North West District every fortnight. Now we have placed the MV Kimbia, the Lady Northcote and MV Barima going weekly to that area including Kumaka and Port Kaituma.”
Questioned yesterday about the state of the ferries operating in the area, the Minister stressed that government is fully aware of the challenges facing travelers and alternatives are being mulled.
With two new vessels ordered from China, it is the hope that vessels currently operating in the Essequibo Rivers on the Parika/Adventure route would be freed up once those arrive, the official said.
There were 400-plus persons on board the vessel when it experienced problems.
The ferry service has been struggling to meet the growing demands with many travelers preferring the cheaper $2,000 fare than the more expensive aircraft method.

Passengers, at the Kingston Stelling, waiting for the MV Kimbia to leave yesterday.

Additionally, there have been complaints about the conditions on board the vessels.
There were children sleeping on the floor of the vessel with a casket with a dead body not far away.
On Friday, shortly after the vessel was brought back to the Kingston Stelling, concerned relatives and friends mobbed the front gate, forcing their way to the actual docking area.
While some passengers opted to stay on board, having nowhere to go, many left to stay with relatives, questioning who would pay for their inconvenience and when the next boat would sail.