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Mohamed raises concerns over school boat for Lower Pomeroon
– Region’s Ed. Dept says vessel out of service, two alternative boats in place for students
Kaieteur News – Leader of the WIN party, Azruddin Mohamed on Monday highlighted the financial burden parents of Lower Pomeroon, Region Two are facing to have their children transported to and from school due the poor condition of state-owned school boat.
The condition of the state-owned school boat that was transporting students of the Lower Pomeroon, Region Two. (Photos, Team Mohamed’s/ Facebook)
Via his Team Mohamed’s Facebook page, Mohamed said “Residents in the lower Pomeroon reached out to me, highlighting the economic burden of transporting schoolchildren in the absence of a school boat. Former President David Granger had handed over a school boat to the community back in 2015. The boat was donated by Mr. Alfro Alphonso (now a supporter of the PPP).”
He noted that the boat had brought much-needed financial relief to parents, and many secondary school children benefited as it serviced students from St. John’s to Charity. “The boat was in operation until last term. It has been poorly maintained and neglected, so it is now in a terrible state, unsafe, and no longer serving the needs of the people,” he described.
According to the party leader, parents are now compelled to use private boats, which cost $1,000 per child for a one-way trip. “That is $2,000 every day, over $10,000 every week per child. It therefore means that the promised $100,000 per child transportation grant will last for two and a half months, not even a full school term. It is an impossible burden for struggling families. To this end, many teenagers are staying home from school regularly, which in turn leads to school dropouts,” Mohamed explained.
He noted that despite repeated requests made to the Education Ministry from residents of the Lower Pomeroon, nothing has been done. “This is neglect, plain and simple,” he expressed. “I informed the people of Pomeroon during the campaign season that if elected, I would ensure that Region Two has proper school boats. The truth is: no Opposition leader, no private donor, and no parent alone can shoulder this responsibility, especially considering the wealth of this nation. This is the duty of the Government,” Mohamed related.
Calling for both President Irfaan Ali and Minister Parag to address the issue, Mohamed pointed out that every child has a right to an education, and no child should have to stay away from school simply because their parents cannot afford the boat fare.
Meanwhile, in response to the issue about the boat service, the Department of Education in Region Two in a statement on Monday acknowledged the concerns raised regarding the school boat that is currently out of service. The department stated that they remain steadfast in its commitment to supporting the education of children from riverine communities such as St. John and Hackney. “Please be assured that the safety and well-being of our students remain our highest priority. As such the vessel in question was deemed unserviceable and, in keeping with safety protocols, had to be taken off the route,” the department explained.
To prevent any disruption to children’s learning, the department stated that in collaboration with the Regional Democratic Council (RDC), they immediately arranged for two alternative boats to transport students from Hackney and St. John to Charity.
“This system was in place since the reopening of schools on the 8th September, 2025. These temporary measures ensure that no child is left behind while we await the delivery of the new school boat procured for the area in question (St John to Charity),” they informed.
Further, the department also highlighted that for this year they have been able to improve school riverine transportation across the Pomeroon-Supenaam Region. They said through 2025 Budget, the Regional Administration has since procured fourteen engines and ten new school boats, increasing the capacity and reliability of its fleet. “As of 2020 to now, there are 28 operational school boats serving riverine communities throughout the region, a testament to our ongoing efforts to provide equitable access to education for every student, regardless of where they live,” they mentioned.
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One thought on “Mohamed raises concerns over school boat for Lower Pomeroon”
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I suggest that boat be replaced by a HOVERCRAFT or AIRBOAT. The
Airboat must not be operated by AIRHEAD but, reliable operators with
knowledge of mechanics.
It is deplorable that kids are staying away from school because they cannot
afford transportation via boat. Mohamed, the OL is correct.