Georgetown: The Alliance for Change (AFC) said that it regards the government’s almost 20 year old decision to remove the Berbice River Ferry as outrageous and irresponsible. AFC member Trevor Williams said it is the sole cause for the rise in cost of living, increased unemployment, frustration among young people and forced migration from the Berbice River area.
During a two day outreach and interacted with residents of that Region, William said over sixty miles were covered as the team travelled through Kwakwani, Aroraima, and then Wiki Calcuni reservation.
He said residents of Upper Demerara Upper Berbice can no longer be involved in agricultural development, forestry nor operate their businesses in a sustainable manner.
Adding that residents along the river, from New Amsterdam to Kwakwani stretching approximately 180 miles, were able to produce , transport and trade large shipments of agricultural, forestry and dairy products , interact with hucksters , transport their families to and from New Amsterdam, Williams said that the critical service has resulted in private launches providing expensive inconvenient service which is alleged to have poor maritime supervision.
He noted that a person travelling on a launch from Ituni to New Amsterdam must endure a 20 hour journey with no washroom facilities, neither sleeping nor resting area, and are forced to make the most among cargo which is mostly wood.
“Residents have complained about the very high cost of transporting goods: for example, one drink case or small cartoon box is priced at $300, a passenger one way fare is $3000, $5000 for a drum of fuel and all packages must be paid for. This phenomenon has resulted in massive migration in search of an easier life as many packed up and left their homes and fertile farmlands vowing to return only if this Service is restored. “
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