Underdeveloped transport system hinders tourism

Sep 19, 2016 Letters

Dear Editor;
I have read with great interest about the proposed development of tourism/ecotourism in Guyana and wish to express my concern over certain aspects of the proposal. Indeed the tourism industry has helped to transform many societies and I do support its development in “beautiful” Guyana.
However, Guyana’s fledgling tourism industry would not be able to survive without the support of other socio-economic activities, including transport.
Transport problems in Guyana are well exposed. The present system is a historical reflection of the geographical distribution of the socio-economic activities and population in the country.
Most of these activities are located on the coastlands, a mere one eighth of the land surface, which is home for seven eights of the population. Almost all cultivation and industries are in the “cityport”capital Georgetown.
This system was inherited from the colonial days and harldly has changed, except for the Linden highway and bridging of Demerara and Berbice rivers on the coastland. As a matter of fact, the socio-economic/ transport development of the country has declined over the years.
Transport provides a vital link between socio-economic activities and in so doing, helps them to survive and function effectively.
It doesn’t mean that transport per se is responsible for the development of socio-economic activities. On one hand transport depends on activities. On the other, activities depend on transport.
This seeming paradox becomes clearer when transport and other activities are viewed as two sides of the same coin, as separate, but related aspects of the same socio-economic system.
The planners must be aware that social and economic development of Guyana cannot depend on tourism or any one industry or project. It has to encompass several well planned and justified projects which are formulated into a regional and national development plan. Such a plan has to be a feasible working document and not hypotethical.
The promotion of tourism where adequate transport is not available would have serious repercussions on both the industry and country. While the authorities are seeking to develop the tourism industry, not enough is being done towards improving the country’s transportation system on the whole.
In an effort to boost tourism, some initiatives have already been undertaken. Areas of ‘great natural beauty’ are earmarked in various parts of the country. With the exception of Georgetown and environs, the majority of tourist areas are located in the interior.
The problem is both areas have poor transport facilities and services – which in some cases are non – existent. Indeed some private operators are trying their best to provide ‘public’ transport e.g. Interior air, riverine speedboat and coastal taxi/hire car services. But much more has to be done by the government.
Apparently the appropriate policy, funding, infrastructure and related services to systemically develop and sustain local industries , including tourism, are not quite in place.
The fact that all activities conducted in Guyana require the movement of people and goods as desired: safely, comfortably, speedily and economically, means that adequate transport facilities and services would have to be developed at least in parallel with socio-economic activities that is being planned , including tourism.
The underlying strategy must be, to make the country more accessible to tourists and citizens alike, who would like to visit these areas of ‘great natural beauty’ and find work in other parts of the country. This will permit a balanced development and maximum benefits from the huge investments required for social and economic development, including the provision of adequate transportation for the nation.
Lennox Britton

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