Speedboat Operators are ruthless, public always hurt

Dec 11, 2022 Letters

Dear Editor,

Mass chaos, confusion and consternation confronted passengers on Friday 9^th December, 2022, as they attempted to channel their way from the Vreed-en-Hoop stelling to Stabroek and vice versa. This inconvenience occurred as a result of the owners and operators of the water taxis going on strike unannounced for a few dollars more. As passengers piled up waving, running and shouting frantically to the minibus drivers, cabs and private cars, traffic built up on the west end side of the bridge, running for over two miles, despite the double lane crossing in effect. Workers, school children, vendors and those conducting business one way or the other, were left out in the cold and rain at the mercy of sympathizers.

How can these ruthless water taxis operators be so callous, carefree and conniving to call a strike on a crucial day like Friday, especially when it was raining and above all, not informing passengers by way of a notice upfront? It just goes to show how merciless these guys are and all they think about is their welfare, making money and remain unconcerned about the poor passengers who were left stranded for hours and have to battle their way on this part of their journey. Thousands had to suffer the agony of running late, getting soaked in the rain, having to be squished as they fought for a place and space in some vehicle, and many were dumped at the bridge at the east end and had to again face the music to get to their final destination. Those bus drivers who decided to go all the way to Georgetown, many of them increased the fare.

A closer look at many of these water taxis would reveal how untidy, unkempt and uncomfortable they are. There are dirty lifebuoys, damaged ones and some not in working condition. Operators are accustomed to mooring their boats and hitting other boats alongside while causing passengers to fall or being thrown off balance and having to scramble or clutch on one another in order to prevent further accident. Operators do not secure their boats firmly. When passengers are embarking or disembarking, the boats would sway and move away from the steps endangering passengers as they try to either get on or off. Some of the operators love to blast the music so loud that a descent conversation with anyone or on the phone becomes impossible. Why are they allowed to charge double fares at times?

How often are these boats checked by the authorities for safety approval? We have seen so many accidents occurring, many of them leading to deaths. Are these boats equipped with any sort of radio signals in event of any unforeseen circumstances? What happens if both engines ‘konk’ out? Is there any watchtower with telescope or binoculars monitoring the movements of these boats? The PPP/C Government reduced the prices for gas. Yet, no road taxis or water taxis reduced their fares. Now passengers are asked to pay more instead. Why it is that it is always the consumers who have to face the heat and be at the receiving end of the shaft to pay the hefty penalty? It is past time the relevant authorities pay a closer look at the operation of the water taxis and stop taking for granted that all is well.

Yours respectfully,

Jai Lall

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