Latest update April 26th, 2026 12:43 AM
Bartica speedboats face competition from aircraft
Speedboat operators plying the Bartica to Parika route may have to forget about a fare increase since competition is in the air with flights from Ogle to Bartica twice daily at a minimal cost, said Minister of Transport and Hydraulics, Robeson Benn
Minister Benn during a press briefing at his Kingston Office posited that “this operation has been ongoing for a month and has proven feasible with passengers utilizing the service. In Bartica passengers are transported to and from the airstrip at no additional cost.”
To improve commute to the Bartica airstrip, the Ministry is executing construction works on the access road from Four-Miles to the airstrip to a tune of approximately $75M.
The contractor, GuyCo, is tasked with constructing a double bitumen surface treatment road and drainage facilities.
He noted that the Ministry has been receiving numerous complaints of speedboat operators demanding $2,500 per person instead of the standard $2,000 fare. Moreover, passengers are asked to pay an additional fee for their luggage.
Minister Benn stated that a meeting was held with the speedboat operators and there was the disagreement concerning the fare increase. The Maritime Administration Department is currently compiling a report on the issue and the Ministry will contact the operators soon. In the interim passengers are asked not pay the fare increase.
Minister Benn pointed to the fact that the world market price for fuel has gradually reduced and this would be reflected in the next shipment to Guyana. Guyana Oil Company price remains standard.
Since earlier this month speedboat operators in the district have been demanding an increase in fare. Two years ago there was a fare increase in the district.
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