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How was this barge stolen if the Observation Post in the Demerara River is still functioning?

Jun 03, 2012 Letters

 

 

Dear Editor,
I write in connection with the barge which was said to have ‘disappeared’ from the Demerara Harbor Bridge recently, and the dismay expressed in several quarters as to how this could have occurred without persons who traverse the bridge day and night noticing what is taking place, or more importantly, without the knowledge of the relevant authorities.
In the first instance, motorists who traverse the bridge, whether by day or night, even if they had seen the pontoon being towed away would not have thought that anything unauthorized was going on; they would therefore have paid little or no attention. What is important and should be of grave concern to the relevant authorities is how this non propelled barge, which had to be towed to its nearest destination by a tug left Port Georgetown without their knowledge.
This is only one of several cases where quite a few vessels routinely leave/enter port without obtaining clearance outwards/inwards from customs officials, without paying harbour dues, and going their merry way.
What is of more concern to me as a former Commanding Officer of the Coast Guard, referred to at the time as the Maritime Command of the Guyana Defence Force, is what has happened to the operational capability of the Observation Post (OP), which was set up by that Unit at the mouth of the Demerara River. This Outpost was outfitted with radar, high frequency communication sets (HF) and Very High Frequency Communication sets (VHF) Land line communication with all Departments that make up port authority officials, the police force including the Marine Police, Fisheries Division Ministry of Agriculture, and any other official or entity that was considered important to the effective conduct of its operations.
This observation post was responsible for communicating with all vessels entering of leaving Post Georgetown, 24 hours a day, seven days a week year round. Also visually and electronically monitoring their movements, recording their names, Port of registry, agent or owner as applicable, destination, or if necessary their cargo and time of passing.
It would appear that this important Sub-Division of the Coast Guard is defunct. If this is the case then it is strongly recommended that this Observation Post be reactivated in the interest of National Security.
Capt. R.E W. Adams

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