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