Latest update March 29th, 2025 5:38 AM
Water taxi operators bemoan MARAD’s new time curfew
The Maritime Administration Department [MARAD], has now come under heavy scrutiny as water taxi operators are bemoaning the administration’s new time curfew.
MARAD as at November 8, last, setup a new time curfew for water taxis plying the Parika-Supenaam, Bartica route, and the Pomeroon routes.
The curfew stated that all water taxis ferrying these routes, must operate within a 12-hour time frame, from 05:30 hrs to 17:30 hrs.
Kaieteur News on last Thursday spoke with several local boat operators, many of whom believe this time curfew is too early.
Speed boat operators on the Parika Ferry Stelling said that timing does not befit the holiday seasons in facilitating late shoppers.
As the holiday is nearing its climax, shopping in the capital city, Georgetown, will intensify. Persons will subsequently stream from all parts of the country to be part of the grand Christmas shopping in the capital city.
With the buildup of traffic during this time of the year, it is more likely that persons will have less control over time. In most cases, the time will elapse for passengers, as they are caught in the heavy traffic on their way back to the ferry stelling.
One speed boat operator said: “By the time passengers get to the stelling, all operations are closed, and passengers are only left with one option.”
Speed boat operators at the Parika stelling.
It first appeared that the remaining option, was for passengers to check in at a hotel or a guest house, he said.
“There are illegal boats out there that are unlicensed and operate after the time curfew,” the boat operator said.
Kaieteur News understands that these illegal boats often ferry passengers to Supenaam for a fare of $3000, as compared to the usual $1300.
Boats that are licensed under the administration are up to date with all of their department’s legal requirements. Travelling with an illegal vessel at night, may be a risky move since most of these vessels may not reach the legal requirements specified by MARAD.
The main objective of MARAD’s new curfew, is allegedly to clampdown on the late speedboat operations, and to promote safety on the waterways. Passenger welfare however is still an issue that needs to be urgently addressed by the administration.
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