Latest update November 20th, 2024 1:00 AM

Guyana's largest selling daily and New York's most popular weekly

Latest News

Parika Stelling: have we grown so accustomed to degradation, backwardness?

Aug 10, 2023 Letters

Dear Editor,

I remember as long back as the late sixties and early seventies traversing the Parika Ferry Stelling to and from Anna Regina where I lived with my parents and attended school. Even though not what could be described as decent accommodation there was a large, enclosed passenger waiting area for those traveling up and down the large Essequibo River. It was, to say the least, adequate for the times since it provided shelter from the elements, seating and decent sanitary facilities. If my mathematical skills serve me right and for emphasis that was approximately 56 years ago.

Having not visited this beautiful Cinderella Country for such a protracted time and wishing to reconnect with old friends and family, my wife and I ventured on this much anticipated trip two months ago. To our shock and utter disgust, instead of being pleasantly surprised by a new modern facility, we were confronted with a dilapidated structure ten times worse than it was 56 years ago. Without any exaggeration this structure [not a stalling] is likely to collapse at any time. The ticketing booth is a small section of a cramped area where a bench is situated for passenger seating, and which provides access to an obnoxious smelling area called toilets.

This cramped so-called passenger waiting area could only seat about ten people. Yet hundreds if not thousands utilize this port on a daily basis including hundreds of vehicles. This translates to millions of dollars in revenue per week for the operators. So, the obvious follow-up question must be where all the billions from this operation and the annual Government allocations have gone over these years. Most commuters who are not travelling in a vehicle have to stand in another dilapidated section of the structure in proximity to the river, exposed to the hot sun and/or rain. Passengers and vehicles dangerously jostle for access space from the structure’s entrance to the ferries. Many planks along the walkway cum driveway are either loose or missing posing imminent danger to both.

Parika is the gateway to one of Guyana’s richest regions, yet this entrance is a national disgrace. The safety of commuters, vehicles and drivers is jeopardized every day at this neglected port. If there is an accident, injury, or loss of life, one day who would or could be held culpable? Meanwhile there is talk of another ferry to supplement the two Chinese boats but no mention of a new Stelling. To add insult to injury there is no running water or toilet paper in the toilets on these boats. It is obvious also that they are not properly cleaned and disinfected. I dread for the females who are forced to use them during the two-hour plus long journey.  Maybe as a country and as a people, we have become accustomed to not only mediocrity but degradation and backwardness.

Yours truly,

Daniel Dacosta

Similar Articles

The Glenn Lall Show | November, 18th, 2024

Follow on Tik Tok @Glennlall

THE BLUNT OF THE DAY

Sports

Dolphin Secondary, East Ruimveldt seal Round-5 victories in Republic Bank U-18 Football League 

Dolphin Secondary, East Ruimveldt seal Round-5 victories in Republic...

Nov 19, 2024

  Kaieteur Sports- The Ministry of Education ground came alive on Sunday as the Republic Bank Schools’ Under-18 Football League wrapped up its fifth round of competition with thrilling...
Read More
Golden Jaguars to host Barbados tonight in crucial Nations League Play-In decider 

Golden Jaguars to host Barbados tonight in...

Nov 19, 2024

Members show confidence as they re-elect Ninvalle and executive to lead GBA

Members show confidence as they re-elect Ninvalle...

Nov 19, 2024

Badminton Team enjoy decent success in Suriname

Badminton Team enjoy decent success in Suriname

Nov 19, 2024

Successful 8th Charity Event hosted by Inniss Family and Nexgen Golf 

Successful 8th Charity Event hosted by Inniss...

Nov 19, 2024

Nine years old is latest recipient of gear from Project “Cricket Gear for young and promising cricketers in Guyana”

Nine years old is latest recipient of gear from...

Nov 19, 2024

Features/Columnists

Publisher’s Note

Freedom of speech is our core value at Kaieteur News. If the letter/e-mail you sent was not published, and you believe that its contents were not libellous, let us know, please contact us by phone or email.

Feel free to send us your comments and/or criticisms.
Contact: 624-6456; 225-8452; 225-8458; 225-8463; 225-8465; 225-8473 or 225-8491.
Or by Email: [email protected] / [email protected]

Weekend Cartoon

Bridge Watch

Demerara Harbour Bridge

> Berbice Bridge […]